John Lever, the English pacer, made an unforgettable debut in the 1976-77 Test series against India. Despite the controversy surrounding the “Vaseline-ball” incident, Lever’s performance on the field was remarkable.
In his first Test match in New Delhi, Lever registered match figures of 10 for 70, including a half-century with the bat. The conditions were surprisingly cool, and the wickets were relatively flat. However, Lever’s swing bowling proved to be effective, and he dismissed key Indian batsmen like Aunshuman Gaekwad and Sunil Gavaskar.
Lever’s batting performance was equally impressive. Coming in at number nine, he played a crucial role in England’s first-innings total. His ability to keep the scoreboard ticking with boundaries to third-man was a testament to his all-round skills.
The Vaseline incident, which occurred during the third Test in Chennai, overshadowed Lever’s on-field achievements. Lever applied Vaseline to his forehead to prevent sweat from entering his eyes. However, the Indian team accused him of using it to enhance the ball’s swing.
Despite the controversy, Lever maintained his innocence. He argued that Vaseline does not significantly affect the ball’s movement. The incident led to a heated exchange with Indian captain Bishan Bedi, but the two eventually reconciled years later.
Lever’s career spanned over a decade, and he made a comeback in 1986 to end his career with the Leeds Test against India. He was known for his swing bowling and his ability to bat effectively in the lower order.
Over the years, Lever has expressed admiration for swing bowlers like Wasim Akram, James Anderson, and Jasprit Bumrah. He believes that these bowlers have mastered the art of swing and reverse swing, making them formidable opponents.
