In this final episode of Bodyline, the final test is played and England wins back the Ashes thanks to a heroic effort by Eddie Paynter.
But there will be consequences felt far and wide. Edith leaves Douglas to take a job in Palestine, Harold Larwood refuses to apologize for bowling Bodyline and is unceremoniously fired from all forms of cricket. Jardine gives up cricket when his use of Bodyline in India causes an already restive populace to riot. And Bradman goes on to have a legendary career.
Tropes found here are
- Dangerous Forbidden Technique: The MCC finally realizes the danger posed by Bodyline and bans it.
- The Determinator: Paynter battles illness and heat exhaustion to bat on in the final day and save the match for England.
- Did Not Get the Girl: Edith leaves Douglas.
- The Disease That Shall Not Be Named: Lung cancer claims Douglas Jardine in 1958.
- Honor Before Reason: When Larwood falls and injures his ankle, making him unable to run and bowl, he finishes the over by standing at the crease and bowling. Bradman, instead of taking the opportunity to score lots of runs, defensively blocks all of Larwood’s deliveries as an act of sportsmanship.
- Larwood later refuses to apologize to the Australians for bowling Bodyline to save his career. As a result he never plays cricket again.
