Kentish Express Ashford & District
Trampled by the white horse
The legendary Kent side of the 1970s defeated all in their path as they won trophy after trophy and broke numerous records. Even the Australian team that contained the likes of Dennis Lillee and Ian Chappell can vouch for their prowess. In 1975, Kent did something that many England sides have struggled to do over the years and beat the Aussies. Spinner Derek Underwood, who took 297 Test wickets for England, was one of those playing in that three-day tour match at the end of June, Australia’s first in preparation for a four-Test Ashes series. “It looked as if Australia were going to win as we approached the final day and they were talking about booking a game of golf at Rye or Sandwich and they booked their tee-off times for 3pm,” Underwood said. “And, of course, what happens a lot in cricket, a wonderful innings by Colin Cowdrey, right at the end of his career, where he got a magnificent 150 and dear Bob Woolmer, who is sadly no longer with us, got 70. “They had a great partnership and we went on to win and it was special day and anyone who came along to see it was privileged. We were a good side and had eight Test players in the team at one stage, which is remarkable. “We had such good players like Alan Ealham, who were of such good ilk they would get 100 for the county side when a Test match was on and Brian Luckhurst and Mike Denness would come back and he wouldn’t get in the team. “We always felt that somebody would come good – someone like John Shepherd, who was a great all-rounder – somebody would do something special to turn the game our way.” That was a special day for all involved but Underwood believes that the magic of the game against the tourists has diminished and it is not looked upon as having such great significance. He said: “In days gone by, a great deal of attention was given towards the tour match and we were hopeful we were going to be selected against the Australians but it is not looked upon with such importance at county level these days. You would like to play in the tour match but I don’t think that applies any more as players are grateful for a rest when the touring side comes.” It would be some feat for Kent to emulate the 1975 team and win in the upcoming four-day game at The St Lawrence Ground and Underwood talks up the ability of the Australian bowling attack they will face. “Never has there been a poor Australian side! They
have always been competitive and tough competitors. At the moment they have the edge on us in the bowling front, in particular. “They are a formidable unit, their bowling attack is probably the best in the world at the moment. “They have confidence and arrogance. They seem to be able to find new cricketers to come into the side and that’s what we want to happen here.” This is not a game where the players will be going out to make up the numbers but a match where they can pit their skills against the best and get noticed, according to Underwood. He said: “I don’t think players can just go out and enjoy the day because they want to do well and build a career and get into the Test side. We have gone the last couple of years without progress but the side has had four or five young players come through, like Sam Billings, who got an England call-up and Sam Northeast, who has had an extraordinary year and shown he is a class player. “It is a time when we have good players coming through. The future is exciting but it will take time and what we need now more than ever is bowlers.” for Woolmer’s return. Cowdrey ended the day 151 not out – the century being the penultimate one of his career – while Woolmer made an unbeaten 71.
Lillee was the most successful of the Australian bowlers, finishing with 3-95 from 22 overs. Gilmour took 2-92 from 21.5 overs. Cowdrey joined Woolmer in the MCC side that played the Aussies the following week but while Woolmer scored two half-centuries, Cowdrey collected a pair, being dismissed without scoring in both innings by Lillee.