Page "Charlie Macartney" Paragraph 27

Macartney's omission was part of the most infamous disputes in Australian cricket history and led to a fracas.

Australian captain and selector Clem Hill wanted to include Macartney for the Third Test, but another member of the panel, former player Peter McAlister objected and said that Hill should omit himself if he wanted Macartney to play.

Tensions between the two selectors were high, and came to a head in a selection meeting ahead of the Fourth Test.

McAlister criticised Hill's tactics and policies towards his bowlers, provoking an exchange of insults regarding the other's leadership ability.

Hill then bloodied McAlister with a powerful blow to the nose and the ensuing brawl lasted between 10 and 20 minutes.

Furniture was knocked across the room, artwork shattered and Hill had to be restrained from throwing McAlister out of the third floor window, before resigning as a selector.