The Ashes is a fiercely contested bilateral Test series between Australia and England. Since its inception in 1882, the Ashes has witnessed many remarkable performances.
One such mighty performance unfolded during the 1934 Ashes series when Australia toured England. The 5-match series was standing at 1-1, with Australia winning the first Test, England winning the second, and the third and fourth ending in draws.
Thus, the fifth and last Test match was a decider, with the Ashes at stake. But a match-defining partnership between Bill Ponsford and Don Bradman on the first day (August 18, 1934) sealed Australia’s fate.
A Record-Breaking 451-run Stand between Ponsford and Bradman
On August 18, 1934, Australia’s captain, Bill Woodfull, won the toss and elected to bat first. For Australia, two Bills — Brown and Ponsford — opened the innings but Brown fell to Nobby Clark on the score of 21.
Then Australia’s legendary batter, Donald Bradman, joined Ponsford in the middle. Both made sure that another wicket didn’t fall for the next five hours and 15 minutes.
Bowlers had little to no support from the surface and both Australians took advantage of it to the maximum. But initially, Ponsford struggled a bit against Bill Bowes’ quick deliveries until Bradman charged on the English bowlers.
Ponsford took inspiration from Bradman and both batters dominated on the crease as hapless English bowlers tried every strategy. Nobby Clark even used the infamous leg theory, bowling good length deliveries on leg stump with fielders placed on the leg side.
But that trick also didn’t work, as Ponsford and Bradman kept piling up runs at a brisk pace. Their scoring rate was rare back in the day, with many claiming it to be the better batting display.
Both batters played cuts and drives with great control and power. Bradman treated bouncers by stepping back and playing hook shots.
Both batters frustrated the England bowlers with their gritty knocks, though England missed three chances to dismiss Ponsford.
Bradman was in pristine touch for most of the innings, but he fell to Bill Bowes close to the end of the first day’s play, scoring 244 runs in 271 balls. The 316-minute knock included 32 fours and a maximum.
Bradman’s wicket ended the 451-run partnership between him and Ponsford, surpassing their 388-run stand set a month ago. Their 451-run stand remained the highest for any wicket for almost 57 years.
Ponsford, on the other hand, remained unbeaten on 205 on the first day and resumed his knock the next day to score 266 runs in 422 balls. His marathon knock lasted for 460 minutes.
The massive partnership between Ponsford and Bradman helped Australia post 701 runs in the first innings. Eventually, Australia won the match by 562 runs and reclaimed the Ashes.
