Graham Gooch – Old Trafford 1993
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As a batsman who thrived best when he backed his instincts, Gooch had one notable occasion to rue them, at Old Trafford in the opening Test of the 1993 Ashes. As was so often the case at the start of the 1990s, Gooch was leading by example as his team floundered around him, compiling a brilliant final-day century, his 18th in Tests, to give England a glimmer of a get-out clause as they struggled to avoid defeat. On 133, however, he jabbed down late on a rising delivery from Merv Hughes, and momentarily lost his composure. As the ball ricocheted off the turf and lobbed menacingly towards the stumps, Gooch used his hand to brush it to safety, and was rightly sent on his way by Dickie Bird. The following day’s papers, cruelly pursuing the play-on-words and ignoring the heroics that had preceded them, were unanimous: “Gooch hands the Ashes to Australia”.
Ashok Mankad – Headingley 1974
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The eldest son of the legendary Vinoo, Ashok Mankad was never quite able to emerge from his father’s shadow. Arguably, he was given a raw deal by the Indian selectors, who would often pick him for one match per series, and then throw him in at anywhere from No. 1 to No. 8 in the order. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, accidents singled him out as well, never more so than at Headingley in 1974, during his solitary appearance of a disappointing tour of England. He had batted attractively for a rearguard 43, but was unluckily dismissed as he swayed out of the way of a Chris Old bouncer. His cap fell off as he ducked his head out of line, and landed on the stumps. India collapsed soon afterwards, to lose by an innings and 78 runs.
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