Dennis Lillee and Javed Miandad were two of cricket's most high-profile players in the 1980s.These two abrasive characters came up against each other when Pakistan toured Australia in 1981-82, with explosive consequences. At Perth, Australia were bowled out for 180 after being put in on a moist pitch, but there was still enough juice to enable Lillee (5 for 18) and Terry Alderman (4 for 36) to rout Pakistan for 62 they were 26 for 8 at one stage. Second time round, Australia piled up 424 for 8, setting Pakistan an almost impossible 543 to win and almost two days to survive.
Miandad turned Lillee behind square for a single, and in completing an easy run, he collided with the bowler. Eyewitnesses agreed that Lillee was to blame and most observed that he had deliberately moved into the batsman's path. According to Lillee, Miandad struck him from behind with his bat. Lillee then turned to confront Miandad, and Miandad lifted his bat above his head as if to strike him. The unedifying images of Tony Crafter, the umpire, stepping in to hold back Lillee while Miandad wielded his bat like a deranged javelin thrower were beamed around the world.
The Australian Board acted, reducing the fine fixed by players from A$200 to A$120 and adding a two-match ban. Cynics noted that the punishment ensured that Lillee missed two fairly low-key one-day internationals, and none of the Tests.
Australia won by 286 runs and lead the 3-Test series 1-0. But Pakistan came back in the third and last test and squared the series.
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