In this episode of Bodyline, Jardine’s Bodyline tactic is employed against Don Bradman for the first time.
Tropes found here are
- Curb-Stomp Battle: Bradman is bowled first ball for a duck when the packed leg side field is set for him for the first time.
- Determinator: In the second innings, Bradman sticks it out for a gutsy century.
- Heroic B So D: Bradman’s confidence takes a huge dent after his “golden duck” dismissal.
- Heroic R Ro D: Larwood’s foot starts bleeding from over exertion, trying to bowl a consistent line and length to Bradman on a flat pitch meant to assist batsmen. He needs to get off the field multiple times to nurse his injuries.
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: The Nawab refuses to go along with Jardine’s tactics and is promptly cut from the team.
- Snobs Versus Slobs: The aristocratic amateurs on the England team are disturbed by Jardine riding his bowlers hard and for employing the “leg theory”. The professional bowlers who are all working class see him as yet another hard driving taskmaster of a boss.
- Sore Loser: Douglas Jardine loses the second test match and blames the pitch’s flatness, blames his bowlers for underperforming, gets onlookers ejected during a nets practice session and is hostile to the press.
