Headingley, thirty years ago

Stephen Brenkley revisits England's remarkable comeback in the Headingley Test against Australia thirty years ago. Five people who witnessed the heroics retell their story. More in the Independent.

It was probably wishful thinking. At breakfast on the Tuesday the feeling was that this extraordinary game might even have something more to offer. At 351 for 9, England were 124 runs ahead and yet...

In the Test Match Special box there was a happy mixture of gallows humour and extravagant optimism. Even the Australian commentator, Alan McGilvray – and Australia has never had a stauncher supporter – was prepared to concede that England had an outside chance. I don't think he meant it.

Bob Willis reflects on his devastating 8 for 43 at Headingley in the Independent.