Dennis Lillee physically kicked Javed Miandad while fielding at Perth in 1981 — the most shocking on-field physical altercation in Test cricket history, requiring umpire Reporting and intervention to prevent a full brawl.
Dennis Lillee was cricket's most aggressive fast bowler — technically superb but also verbally and physically intimidatory. He had numerous on-field confrontations throughout his career. Javed Miandad was Pakistan's combative genius — equally feisty, never backing down from a fight, with a tongue as sharp as any in world cricket.
The WACA pitch favoured pace excessively and Australia expected to dominate. Pakistan, led by Javed, were determined not to be pushed around.
The Test had been fiery from the first over. Lillee had sledged Miandad continuously, and Miandad had responded with equal vigour. Australia fielded with particular aggression around the bat. Lillee, fielding near the crease, had bumped shoulders with Miandad earlier in the over without umpires intervening.
During the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at the WACA, Dennis Lillee deliberately kicked Javed Miandad in the backside as the Pakistan batsman ran past him. Miandad reacted by raising his bat threateningly at Lillee. Umpire Tony Crafter rushed between the two men to prevent further escalation. Lillee was formally reported and suspended for two Test matches. Miandad escaped with a reprimand. The incident became one of the most replayed moments in cricket history, remembered as much for Miandad's bat-brandishing response as for Lillee's kick.
Miandad runs through for a single and passes close to Lillee's fielding position
Lillee deliberately extends his right foot and kicks Miandad in the backside
Miandad spins around raising his bat above his head towards Lillee's face
Umpire Tony Crafter sprints in from square leg, physically gets between the two men
Both players are surrounded by teammates — a full brawl is narrowly avoided
1981-11-13
Lillee kicks Miandad; Miandad raises bat; umpire intervenes
1981-11-14
Pakistan and Australian board meetings; formal reports lodged
1981-11-16
Lillee handed two-Test ban; Miandad receives reprimand
“He kicked me. What was I supposed to do — stand there and smile? I raised my bat to let him know I wasn't going to be pushed around.”
“I shouldn't have done it. But Miandad had been pushing my buttons all day. It was a moment of madness.”
“I saw it happening and ran. Another second and one of them might have been seriously hurt.”
Lillee was suspended for two Tests — the first formal suspension in Australian cricket history for on-field conduct. Pakistan protested that the punishment was insufficient. Miandad escaped with a reprimand for raising his bat.
Both men continued their careers unimpeded. Lillee retired in 1984 as Australia's greatest ever fast bowler. Miandad played until 1996. The two later met at various cricket functions with the incident treated as a historical curiosity rather than lasting animosity.
Lillee received a two-Test ban — the punishment was considered lenient given the physical nature of the assault. Miandad's bat-raising was also condemned. Both men escaped more severe consequences due to the era's lighter disciplinary standards.
The incident fundamentally changed how on-field misconduct was policed. Subsequent ICC codes became stricter about physical contact between players. It remains the most extreme example of bowler-batsman physical confrontation at Test level.
For commentators and historians, the image of Miandad raising his bat is as iconic as any caught-behind edge — a moment that crystallised both men's fearlessness and the sometimes-dangerous intensity of cricket at its most competitive.
Australia vs Pakistan
22 November 1981
Dennis Lillee kicked Javed Miandad on the field, prompting Miandad to raise his bat as if to strike Lillee. Umpire Tony Crafter intervened to separate them.
New Zealand vs West Indies
12 February 1980
Michael Holding kicked the stumps out of the ground in frustration after an LBW appeal was turned down against John Parker.
West Indies vs Australia
28 April 1995
Curtly Ambrose got in Steve Waugh's face after being told to go back to his mark. Richie Richardson had to pull Ambrose away. Ambrose then bowled a devastating spell.