The Joy of Six: run-outs

We pay tribute to cricket’s most exasperating mode of dismissal, a regular source of genius, farce, controversy, tears and ‘tragedy’

Of England’s eight consecutive Ashes drubbings between 1989 and 2003, that of 1993 was arguably the most humiliating. In the first Summer of Warne, Australia outclassed England in every department, in every way, all series until the soon-to-be-customary dead-rubber win in the final Test. England at the time were somewhere between transition and utter disarray, with the old guard of the previous decade (Gower, Gatting, Gooch et al) gradually making way – amid varying degrees of rancour – for a wetter-behind-the-ears new generation. England had been rudderless at the top for a while – Graham Gooch’s leadership had become tired and uninspired, however unstinting his effort and however formidable his batting presence – and were in no way equipped to turn the tide against a rampant Australia following a grim early-year tour to India, in which England were thrashed 3-0.

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