Dennis Lillee MBE

In the iconic 1974-1975 Ashes series at home, Dennis was paired with fellow fast bowler Jeff Thomson, widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history. The duo delivered a devastating performance, leading Australia to a commanding 4-1 series victory over England.

Dennis was the second-fastest bowler in history to reach 200 Test wickets, following Australian leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett. In the 1980-1981 home series against India, he surpassed Richie Benaud’s record for the most Test wickets by an Australian. His crowning achievement came later that year when he became the world record-holder for the most Test wickets. During the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne against the West Indies, he delivered one of his most memorable performances. Late on day one, he tore through the formidable West Indian batting line-up, reducing them to 4 for 10. The following day, Dennis secured innings figures of 7 for 83, and his dismissal of Larry Gomes saw him break Lance Gibbs’ record of 309 Test wickets.

Dennis Lillee’s partnership with wicketkeeper Rod Marsh became legendary. The scorecard entry “caught Marsh bowled Lillee” appeared 95 times in Tests, a record-breaking collaboration that remains unbeaten to this day.

By the time he retired from international cricket in 1984, Dennis Lillee had solidified his place as one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, holding the world record for the most Test wickets and earning recognition as one of the most celebrated sportsmen of his era.