This Day That Year: Jim Laker create an impossible record in Test matches

On 31^st July 1956, Jim Laker an off-break bowler became the first bowler to pick up all 10 wickets in an innings during the final day of the 4^th Ashes Test match against Australia played at Old Trafford, Manchester. During that time, the Test matches were played on the course of six days with 1 day being the rest day.

England captain Peter May won the toss and decided to bat first. It was a brilliant batting effort by the hosts as Richardson 104, Cowdrey 80, DS Sheppard 113, Evans 47 and contributions from every batsman helped England post 459.

Jim Laker provided the breakthrough for England to dismiss Colin McDonald. After that Laker was at his best by getting rid of Neil Harvey, Jim Burke, Ian Craig, Ken McKay, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Ron Archer, Len Maddocks. He dismissed Australian captain Ian Johnson to finish with stunning figures of 9 for 37 in 16.4 overs. England bowled out the visitors for a paltry total of 84. Laker created havoc among the Australian batsmen as he took last 7 wickets for 8 runs in 22 balls.

In the 2^nd innings, Craig McDonald retired hurt with a jarred knee. Laker provided the breakthrough dismissing Neil Harvey off the very first ball. He then took the wicket of Jim Burke to leave Australia in big trouble. Australia ended the 3^rd day at 59 for 2. The fourth day was a rest for all players.

There was little play on the 4^th day as Australia ended on 84 for 2. Laker broke the partnership between McDonald and Ian Craig. Both added 59 runs for the 3^rd wicket. It was an amazing bowling effort by Laker who went through the batting line of Australia as he took all 10 wickets in the innings. He finished with figures of 10 for 53 in 51.2 overs. The hosts won the match by an innings and 170 runs.

Jim Laker achieved the impossible figures of picking 19 wickets in the match. He made his Test debut for England against West Indies at Bridgetown on 21^st January 1948. In total, Laker played a total of 46 matches (86 innings) and took a total of 193 wickets with career-best figures of 10 for 53. Laker died on 23rd April 1986. It was an amazing feat for any bowler during that time to take 10 wickets in an innings during a Test match.

Jim Laker’s record of 10 wickets in an innings was broken by Anil Kumble against Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

This Day That Year: Jim Laker became the first bowler to pick up 10 wickets in an innings during Test match