On This Day: Shane Warne Delivers the “Ball of the Century” in the 1993 Ashes

It was his first Ashes Test at Old Trafford, and he bowled a ball to England’s Mike Gatting that was pure magic. The delivery pitched way outside the leg stump spun like crazy, and clipped the top off, leaving Gatting baffled. Dubbed the “Ball of the Century,” it flipped the script on how people saw leg-spin bowling. Even now, fans everywhere still talk about that moment with awe.

Australia vs England: 1st Ashes Test 1993

In the first Ashes Test of 1993 at Old Trafford, Manchester, a young Australian leg-spinner named Shane Warne changed cricket history with a single delivery that would be forever known as the “Ball of the Century”. This match, played from June 3 to June 7, was the opening clash of the 1993 Ashes series between England and Australia, a series that set the tone for Australia’s dominance.

Australia’s First Innings

The match began with England winning the toss and choosing to field, hoping to exploit the pitch conditions at Old Trafford, known for favouring spin bowling. England’s decision led to the inclusion of two spinners, Phil Tufnell and debutant Peter Such, while Australia opted for three fast bowlers and Warne as their lone spinner. Australia’s first innings saw their openers, Mark Taylor and Michael Slater, dominate.

They put on a massive 260-run partnership, with Taylor scoring a steady 124 off 233 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes, and Slater smashing a quicker 152 off 131 balls with 18 boundaries. Their partnership laid a solid foundation, but England’s Peter Such turned the tide, taking 6 wickets for 67 runs, including key dismissals of Taylor, David Boon (21), Allan Border (17), Steve Waugh (3), Brendon Julian (0), and Merv Hughes (2). Australia were bowled out for 289 in 112.3 overs, a respectable total but one England felt they could challenge.

Shane Warne’s Ball of the Century

England’s reply, however, was where the match took a dramatic turn. Starting at 71 for 1, with Graham Gooch looking solid, Australia’s captain Allan Border brought on Warne to bowl his first ball of the series. Facing Mike Gatting, a seasoned batsman known for his ability against spin, Warne delivered a ball that etched his name into history books.

The delivery, bowled on June 4, 1993, was a vicious leg-break that drifted in the air, pitched well outside leg stump, and then spun sharply to clip the top of Gatting’s off stump. Gatting, completely bamboozled, stood in disbelief, as did the crowd, umpire Dickie Bird, and even Warne’s teammates. Commentator Richie Benaud famously remarked, “He’s started off with the most beautiful delivery!” This moment, dubbed the “Ball of the Century,” not only dismissed Gatting for 4 but also signalled the revival of leg-spin bowling, an art form that had been overshadowed by fast bowling for decades.

The “Ball of the Century” wasn’t just a brilliant piece of bowling — it changed Shane Warne’s life and gave leg-spin bowling a new identity in world cricket. Back then, Warne was only 23 years old and had taken just 31 wickets in 11 Tests. Many people in England, including former great Fred Trueman, had doubts about him. Some even believed England’s batters would score easily against him. But Warne had other plans. With one magical delivery that spun from way outside leg stump to clip the top off and leave Mike Gatting completely shocked, Warne silenced all the critics.

That moment didn’t just shake Gatting, as it stunned the entire cricket world. It brought back excitement around leg-spin, a dying art at the time. Wisden later described it as “the most famous ball ever bowled,” and rightly so. The way it was replayed again and again on television made it unforgettable. Years later, Warne opened up about that moment. He said he was nervous but ready. While joking around before bowling, teammate Merv Hughes told him to try a flipper or a wrong’un. But Warne decided to stick with a classic leg-break — and it turned out to be a dream delivery.

England’s First Innings

Warne’s impact didn’t stop there. He went on to claim 4 wickets for 51 runs in England’s first innings, including Gooch (65), Robin Smith (4), and Andy Caddick (7). Merv Hughes also chipped in with 4 wickets for 59, dismissing Mike Atherton (19), Graeme Hick (34), Chris Lewis (9), and Phil Tufnell (1). England crumbled to 210 in 74.5 overs, trailing by 279 runs. Despite half-centuries from Gooch and Hick, England’s batting faltered against Warne’s guile and Hughes’ pace, leaving them with a massive deficit.

Australia’s Second Innings

Australia’s second innings saw them build on their lead. Although they lost early wickets, with Taylor (9) and Slater (27) falling to Such, a 109-run partnership between David Boon (93) and Mark Waugh (64) steadied the ship. Later, Steve Waugh (78 not out) and Ian Healy, who scored a maiden Test century of 102 not out, piled on the runs. Australia declared at 432 for 5 in 130 overs, setting England an imposing target of 512 runs. Healy’s aggressive knock, with 12 fours, and Steve Waugh’s composed batting ensured Australia were in a commanding position.

England’s Second Innings

England’s chase was a daunting task, and they started well, with Gooch and Atherton putting on 73 for the first wicket. Gooch, in particular, was in fine form, scoring a resilient 133 off 247 balls, including 21 fours and two sixes. However, his innings ended unusually when he was dismissed for handling the ball, a rare occurrence in Test cricket. Warne struck again, removing Atherton (25), Robin Smith (18), Alec Stewart (11), and Chris Lewis (43), finishing with 4 wickets for 86 runs in a marathon 49 overs, 26 of which were maidens.

Hughes also claimed 4 wickets for 92, dismissing Gatting (23), Hick (22), Caddick (25), and Such (9). England fought hard, with contributions from Lewis and others, but they were bowled out for 332 in 120.2 overs, falling 179 runs short of the target. Australia’s 179-run victory was a statement of intent, and Warne was named Player of the Match for his 8 wickets (4/51 and 4/86) in the game. The “Ball of the Century” to Gatting on day two was a game-changer, reviving leg-spin and cementing Warne’s legacy and his 34 wickets in the series helped Australia win 4-1, starting with this commanding victory.