Steve Harmison’s infamous wide to second slip now has a new challenger for the unwanted mantle of worst delivery in Ashes history.
On the first ball of day four in the first Test at Trent Bridge, Australia’s Mitchell Starc let a shoulder-high full toss go that had Michael Clarke ducking for cover at first slip.
The fact that Harmison’s shocker was the opening delivery of an Ashes series makes it hard to top.
Especially given it set the tone for a 5-0 thrashing.
But at least the former England fast bowler made the ball bounce.
Australia needed early wickets to give themselves a chance at a fourth-innings chase of under 300, but instead Starc blew the scoreboard out even further.
As well as the five no-balls his errant delivery went for, Starc bowled another full toss and was dispatched by Ian Bell for four.
Then in the next over off James Pattinson, England’s non-walker Stuart Broad sent an even thicker edge flying to the slips than he did on day three.
But instead of the umpire not sticking his finger up, the problem this time around was Shane Watson and Clarke at first and second slip stood motionless looking at each other, while the ball whizzed between them at a very catchable height.
It gave Broad his half century, and perhaps ironically, the villain of the first Test waved his bat so everyone in the ground could see.
More sloppiness in the field from Australia allowed Bell to bring up his century, a fantastic knock that will likely prove match-winning.
England have already surpassed a lead of 284, meaning Australia would need to break the all-time record at Trent Bridge for the highest successful fourth innings run chase.
However, justice was finally served as far as Broad’s outside edge is concerned.
He nicked one to Brad Haddin off Pattinson and was out for 65 – a crucial innings, with England closing in on a lead of 300 plus with three wickets in hand.
Broad was happy to walk and received a standing ovation from English fans and his dressing room.