Who was Yabba, apparently the only spectator at the recent ODI between Australia and New Zealand? Asked Maurice Evans from New Zealand, “Yabba” was the nickname was given to Stephen Harold Gascoigne, a Sydney rabbit-seller who became famous for his raucous pronouncements from the Hill during matches at the SCG.
His advice to England captain Douglas Jardine during the Bodyline tour was arguably the best-recalled example of his output: “Leave our flies alone, Jardine! They’re the only friends you’ve got out here.”
Statue In A Stadium With No Audience:
A statue of Yabba was unveiled on the Hill in 2008, which is why he was the only onlooker at Sydney’s latest ODI, poetically speaking after spectators were removed for safety reasons.
Zero’s official attendance appears to be an unbeatable record low: according to Melbourne statistician Charles Davis, Australia’s previous-smallest daily attendance for an international match was 17, the final day of the 1967-68 Adelaide Test – India was nine down overnight and 161 behind; Australia required six overs on the final morning to pick up the last wicket.
Ian Chappell, in a recent interaction with a media house, recalled a Sheffield Shield match that began with only one spectator in attendance was entertainingly remembered. I seem to remember a Zimbabwe match story that started with nobody watching at all, but I’m not sure when it was!
No Audience At Stadiums Due To Coronavirus Outbreak:
Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, all international, national, and domestic matches have been called off, pertaining to the safety concerns of the players, audience, and the surroundings in particular.
The IPL matches which were scheduled to take place from 28th March 2020, will now remain suspended till 15th April, until further notice from the BCCI. However, the Board Cricket Control of India (BCCI) chief has indicated on the IPL 2020 tournament might get truncated.
