Most (In)Famous Hat-trick

It was the most unwelcome hat trick in the history of Test cricket. Joe Solomon, the West Indian middle-order fighter, was given out in the second Test of the 1960-61 series after his hat fell on the stumps and dislodged the off bail. The MCG crowd was incensed, but the dismissal stood.In the first Test of the classic 1960-61 series, Solomon had etched his name in folklore with two dead-eye run-outs. His second throw, aiming at just one stump, ensured that the Brisbane Test finished in history¦s first-ever tie.

When Melbourne hosted the next stanza in that memorable summer of Test action, Solomon was promoted to open in the absence of Cammie Smith. He was caught behind for a duck in the first innings. When the Windies were asked to follow on he made just four runs, but provided staunch support to flamboyant Conrad Hunte in an opening stand of 40. His innings ended when Richie Benaud came on as first-change bowler. Solomon jerked away from a leg-break and his cap fell from his head onto the stumps. Wicketkeeper Wally Grout pointed to the dislodged bail and appealed, Benaud joined in, and Solomon was sent on his way.There was no doubt that the correct decision was given, but the MCG crowd was angered by the Australian skipper¦s failure to recall the batsman, and hooted Benaud throughout the rest of the day. It was a remarkable display of sportsmanship by the big crowd, siding with the underdog visitors over the local heroes. Australia went on to win the Test by seven wickets, despite Hunte¦s blazing century.

A fascinating sequel to the Solomon incident occurred in the fifth Test, also at the MCG. On that occasion Grout was batting when the stumps were disturbed. The West Indians appealed, but no-one could ascertain exactly what had happened so the batsman was given the benefit of the doubt. Grout showed his quality by deliberately spooning the next delivery to slip, an act of batting µsuicide¦ that was a marvellous sporting gesture.