 | | Jim Laker in 1956 |
However, it’s Jim Laker’s destruction of Australia in 1956 that stands out as the absolute highlight of a century and a half’s cricket. With the test series standing at 2-1 in favour of England, the home side needed victory to secure the Ashes. England made a highly respectable 459 all out in their first innings and the game was set up to be an even contest. Jim Laker had other ideas. He had already skittled out the Australians earlier in season, taking all ten wickets for his county side, Surrey. He couldn’t have imagined at the time he’d repeat the feat again in his career, let alone against the same opposition, but sure enough, he forced the Australians into the follow-on with an amazing nine-37 before cutting through them again with a truly awe-inspiring ten-53. His overall match figures of 19-90 have never been bettered and only India’s Anil Kumble has equaled his feat of taking all ten wickets in a test match. Your memories | | Morrissey humbled at Move |
The Laker test is far from Old Trafford’s only significant moment, though, and it’s not just the cricket that has had special times at the ground. Anyone who was at David Bowie’s amazing show there, where the heavy rain ceased as the legend walked on stage, or Morrissey’s emotional homecoming a mere stone’s throw from where he grew up will tell you it’s got some interesting music memories too. What are your memories of Old Trafford? What does the grand old ground mean to you? Pay your tributes and share your memories below:Nick Watson in BromsgroveAlthough I don't live locally I always go to the Manchester test and there are a couple of recent memories which stick out for me. Alec Stewart's 100 in his 100th Test Match v West Indies in 2000 was a great moment. He received a standing ovation from a capacity crowd which seem to go on forever. Although Stewart was a Surrey man the Lancashire crowd did him proud that day. Shane Warne's 600th Test wicket in 2005 was also special - it was great to be there to see him reach an incredible milestone and again the home crowd was generous in its appreciation. Debbie Howard in KnutsfordI used to love watching Harry Pilling batting with Clive Lloyd. Both were big hitters and Harry was tiny and Clive so tall! I used to go there with my Grandma and family and have many happy memories. Also walking under the tunnels near the stairs to the committee rooms there was always a weird smell of dishwater! Never to be forgotten! Peter Lawrenson Parker in WhitefieldBrian Statham's last match was a Roses match (Ken Higgs' Benefit). Statham demolished the early Yorkshire batting in quite a spendid spell of fast bowling! It provided me with my most vivid Old Trafford memory; there have been many of these. Long may it continue as our home ground. Richard Mitson in WiganIn the 1976 test match watching the newly recalled Brian Close (44 years old) stand up to the super-fast young Michael Holding and last out the evening session. Holding bowled a series of bouncers, a number of which Close took on the chest without showing any sign of pain. No helmets in those days , so he didn't take his eye off the ball. Great courage against a frightening West Indies attack. Debbie Howard in KnutsfordIn various matches, I used to love watching Harry Pilling batting with Clive Lloyd both were big hitters and Harry was tiny and Clive so tall! I used to go there with my Grandma and family and have many happy memories. Also walking under the tunnels near the stairs to the committee rooms there was always a weird smell of dishwater! Never to be forgotten! Peter Parker in WhitefieldBrian Statham's last match was a Roses match (Ken Higgs' Benefit). Statham demolished the early Yorkshire batting in quite a spendid spell of fast bowling! It provided me with my most vivid Old Trafford memory; there have been many of these. Long may it continue as our home ground | 
