Two descendants from an important time in cricket history met for the first time, to share stories about the iconic Bodyline series. 

The 1932-33 Ashes Series saw the introduction of an English tactic called Leg Theory, later to be called Bodyline. 

The tactic was used to combat Bradman’s run scoring prowess. 

The strategy was devised and developed by England’s captain, Douglas Jardine and called for short, fast bowling directed at the batsman, to a packed leg-side field, often resulting in players being struck in the head or body.

Harold Larwood, an English bowler with extreme pace, was the catalyst to England’s win all those years ago. 

The Bodyline tactic was too much for Donald Bradman, who averaged 56 for the series. 

On March 14, just over 85 years after the Bodyline series, Harold Larwood’s granddaughter Karen Khoury visited Bowral to see a bat signed by her grandfather during that very series. 

The bat was won in a raffle in 1933, after 28-year-old Bill Clancey paid 20 cents for a ticket. 

His son, John Clancey met Karen at the Bradman Museum to talk about the ionic time on Wednesday. 

“It’s absolutely amazing to meet the granddaughter of Harold Larwood and I’m sure she was very excited to see her grandfather’s signature on this bat.”

When John was 18 the bat was passed onto him. 

“I knew it was an incredible piece of history,” he said. 

“I kept it wrapped up in a towel at home and every now and then I’d bring it out to show people.”

In 2016, after having the bat in his care for 50 years, John donated the it to Bradman. 

“I knew that it should be shared with everyone because it is very important.”

Despite animosity between Australian and English cricket for a while after the 1932-33 Bodyline series, Harold Larwood and his family migrated to Australia in 1950.

The Larwood’s were well respected and Harold participated in cricket journalism and commentating.

In 1999, his extensive collection of cricket memorabilia was donated to the Bradman Museum.

“There was always stuff in his house, there were photos, there were trophies, there was memorabilia from his travels, which we were all allowed to touch and look at,” Karen said. 

“He had a suitcase full of letters and newspaper clippings and I guess it was when I was in Year 10 or 11 and the Kennedy Miller Bodyline series came out that it brought it all up. 

“It was then that I really peaked my interest because I was old enough to understand and appreciate what really happened and what went down.” 

Karen said it was very special to meet John and hold the bat her grandfather once signed. 

“I didn’t know the bat existed,” Karen said. 

“It’s wonderful and such a great thing to see especially because of all the family history behind it.” 

“To see stuff that involves grandad again, because it has been a very long time, is really special.”