7 most iconic dismissals of the last 25 years

A batsman being delcared out in cricket is quite a common occurence – after all, it’s a game between bat and bowl and dismissals are a part and parcel of the game and ultimately lead to a result. But then there are some dismissals that end up becoming bigger than the match itself, talking points that will be discussed for years to come. Indeed, there are forums and threads dedicated solely to the discussion of iconic dismissals that changed the way cricket was viewed, both by the fans and the players.In no specific order, we present the 7 most iconic dismissals of the last 25 years of International cricket. 

#1 Shoulder-before-wicket - McGrath vs Tendulkar, 1999

It’s prudent to start with a dimissal that created incredible controversy and endless debates between fans, players and commentators, with everyone agreeing on one thing – that it was controversial at the least, and completely unfair at the most. 

The setting was Day 4 of the 1st Test in Adelaide, December 1999. India had been set a daunting 396 runs target, and with three wickets going cheaply, all hopes were on Tendulkar to thwart the Aussies once again and set India on the path to victory.

On a wicket showing variable bounce (well, it was the 4th day), the Aussies decided to pepper Tendulkar with short-pitched bowling, in an effort to unsettle him. McGrath led the charge, and proceeded to bowl a couple of enticing deliveries before the set-up ball.

Short ball. Tendulkar ducks. Ball stays low and hits him on his shoulder. Loud appeal. Tendulkar looks nonplussed. Daryl Harper puts his finger up. Pandemonium ensues.

There are literally thousands of articles on this one single encounter between bat and ball. And yet there is no clarity on the legitimacy of the incident. 

Pity there was no DRS back then.