Actors Alan Brunton and Christopher Brougham bring the underarm crisis back to life. Photo / Dean Purcell
Some people can't wait to touch it - others don't want too get close.
Now, for the first time in years, the humble white-leather cricket ball which incites emotion from sports fans on both sides of the Tasman can be seen by the public.
At least, by those
who are game enough to re-live the day in 1981 when an Australian bowler delivered the final ball along the ground, obliterating New Zealand's chance to hit a six and tie the match.
The incident has been dubbed a "breaking point" in transtasman sporting relations. It was dubbed "an act of cowardice" by then Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon, while his Australian counterpart, Malcolm Fraser, said it was "contrary to the traditions of the game".
The ball used on that day will be under guard at Papakura's Hawkins Theatre from tonight during the season of The Underarm, a play about the incident.
While the ball has scuff marks on both sides, it was not obvious if they were exacerbated by its roll on terra firma.
"It means something to everybody, that fateful day. They probably remember where they were when it happened," said producer Graeme Bennett.
He said the ball, on loan from its owners the Beige Brigade and insured for about $15,000, drew strong reactions. "It's emotional."
Some people couldn't wait to get their hands on it, while others didn't want to touch it, he said.
It is signed by the man who bowled it underarm, Trevor Chappell, and the man he bowled it to, Kiwi batsman Brian McKechnie.
Bennett said McKechnie would face the ball again for the first time in years at the play's opening ceremony.
The show - and the ball - will tour New Zealand after its eight-night season in Papakura.
