Cricket World Cup 1st XI: 3) Gatting's folly

Mike Gatting's ill-fated reverse sweep is enshrined in World Cup infamy. Picture / Getty Images

With five weeks to go before the start of the Cricket World Cup, the Herald lists the stories that have defined the tournament

No3: Gatting's folly

These days the reverse sweep shot in its various forms is a part of most international batsmen's artillery.

That wasn't always the case. It began its rise to prominence in the 1990s. South African Jonty Rhodes and Zimbabwe's Andy Flower were among its earliest skilled practitioners.

Gradually it evolved into ramp shots, switch-hit shots and straight-out slogs over point using a swapped-over stance. But in 1987 there were precious few examples around.

England and Australia qualified for that year's final in Kolkata by beating the hosts, India and Pakistan respectively, in semifinals, which was a minor surprise. A bigger one was to come in the final.

What happened that November 8 is still remembered for the shot that decided the match.

Cricket World Cup 1987 Final England v Australia at Calcutta Mike Gatting plays the reverse sweep that had him caught by Greg Dyer off Allan Border for 41

Australia had made 253 for five, and got that far only through an unheralded source.

David Boon had made 75 off 125 balls. Others struggled to get moving, Dean Jones, usually electric, made 33 off 57 balls.

However, West Australian Mike Veletta was the man for the moment, rattling up 45 from 31 balls to put some weight into the innings.

England were sailing along at 135 for two, the job well in hand. They had two batsmen set, Bill Athey and captain Mike Gatting.

The skipper was up to 41 off 44 balls, the stand worth 69. Then Australian skipper Allan Border brought himself on with his part-time left arm spinners.

For whatever reason, Gatting tried a too-cute-by-half little reverse tickle and the ball popped up on the leg side for wicketkeeper Greg Dyer to take an easy catch. It wasn't even a full-blown reverse sweep, more an awkward dab.

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Former Australian captain Ian Chappell called it "a brainlock, a moment of madness" by Gatting.

Gatting's infamous reverse-sweep costs England in '87

At that point there was no guarantee England would go on to win, but it was certainly theirs for the losing.

Australia had a spring back in their step as England stuttered. Australia won by seven runs, England finishing on 246 for eight.

In hindsight it may seem a touch unfair to heap all the blame on Gatting. After all, Allan Lamb then came in and made 45. There was no sudden collapse. Athey got 50.

But history has been harsh on Gatting. The moment England blew the World Cup. It was a dumb play, poorly timed in more ways than one.

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