West Indies XI Tour
Richard Austin and Alvin Greenidge of the rebel West Indies XI play a one-day international against South Africa in Cape Town, during their tour of South Africa, February 1983. (Photo by Adrian Murrell/Getty Images)
West Indies XI Tour

'Cricket,' the so called gentlemen's game. 

The restoration of the English monarchy in the 17th century paved the way for sports like cricket to evolve. 

The Nobility revered the game of cricket, as it fuelled countless opportunities to gamble - how fitting.

In light of the recent controversial bribery confession of Zimbabwean cricketing idol Brendan Taylor, this was a man who had not been paid in eight months. It's a tragic tale.

The red flag was there, yet Taylor and many before him couldn't resist the lure.

This is Part 1 of some of the most controversial moments in cricket history.

Let's dive into the underbelly of cricket.

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10. Dennis Lillee's aluminium bat (1979, number 20)

On December 15th, 1979, Australian fast-bowling legend Dennis Lillee walked out to the WACA wicket with an aluminum bat. 

At the time, there was no rule stating the cricket bat had to be a willow, yet after a couple of deliveries from Sir Ian Botham, the ball resembled something of a dog's toy that had been sitting in a smelly garage rotting. England captain Mike Brearley complained, and 'DK' threw the bat away disgusted.  

12th man Rodney Hogg refused to bring a wooden bat to the fired-up Lillee, so Australian Captain Greg Chappell was forced to race out a new bat for the fire-breathing quick.

 

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