The Unlucky Number 87 in Australian Cricket: A Superstition Explained

In the world of cricket, numbers can hold significant meanings and superstitions. One such number that has long been associated with Australian cricket is the number 87. This particular number has gained notoriety for seeming to bring misfortune to Australian players, particularly when playing against India. However, is there more to this superstition than meets the eye?

Origins of 87: Unlucky or Lucky?

Many believe that 87 is an unlucky number in Australian cricket, but is there any factual basis to this belief? The truth is, this superstition is largely rooted in cultural and historical factors. Keith Miller, a renowned Australian cricketer, is often cited as the origin of this belief. Miller once commented that 87 was a number that seemed to bring him bad luck, leading to this number becoming associated with bad outcomes in Australian cricket.

However, a closer look at the numbers might dispel this notion. It is important to note that many Australian batsmen have indeed fallen for 87, but so too have many fallen for much lower scores like 0. In fact, the number of Australian batsmen who were out for 87 is significantly lower compared to those who were out for 0 or even higher scores.

Number 87: The 1987 World Cup Impact

The number 87 also holds a significant place in the history of cricket due to the 1987 World Cup final. This match between Australia and England was historic as it marked Australia's first-ever World Cup series win in One Day International (ODI) cricket. This victory occurred in 1987, a year that could have marked an auspicious beginning for Australian cricket, leading some to speculate that 87 might have carried positive energy for the team.

Modern Applications: The 2017-18 Test Series

In the more recent Test series between Australia and India, the number 87 resurfaced. During the second Test, Australia needed 87 runs to win the match on a tricky pitch. The pressure was high, and the team was in a precarious position. As the tension built, a commentator mentioned 87, which led to an argument among the Australian team members. Interestingly, India's commentators exploited this superstition, with one of them tweeting, '87, the unlucky number for Australia.' Such interactions highlight how superstitions can affect the narrative and mental state of players.

Recent Contrast: 2017 ODI Series

During the 2017 ODI series between India and Australia, a similar superstition played out. India was 87/5 at one point in the first ODI match, and the team went on to win the game with a total of 281. The ball movement on a turning pitch made the target seem daunting, and the number 87 added to the sense of difficulty. This outcome further reinforced the idea of 87 being an unlucky number for Australian cricket.

Conclusion

While the number 87 has gained a reputation as a superstitious number in Australian cricket, it is crucial to recognize that such superstitions are largely cultural and historical in nature. The success of a cricket team is determined by many factors, including skill, strategy, and mental resilience. The superstitions around the number 87 may have an impact on mental states but should not be seen as the sole determinant of a team's performance.