Some have history thrust upon them

Sporting history creeps up on the unsuspecting. Take the Brisbane Tied Test, for example, or Steve Waugh's remarkable final-ball-of-the-day century in January's Sydney Test. Pivotal sporting moments are unpredictable, and probably the richer and more memorable because of it. That was certainly the case at the WACA today as Matthew Hayden swashbuckled his way to a new world-record Test score. Only 8062 were in attendance to see Hayden, the boy from Kingaroy, reach the unprecedented score of 380. But those who were here will no doubt be dining out on the experience for years.

The day began with blue skies, brilliant sunshine and Hayden in haymaker mode. Taking up from where he left off on the previous day, he smacked the ball to all corners of the park. Even before the world record looked like becoming a reality, the adjectives were accumulating almost as quickly as the runs. As the commentators struggled to get beyond "impregnable", "superlative", or sometimes "masterly", the crowd was happy with one simple utilitarian verbal concept. "Awesome," said Rachel from Fremantle. "That's the only word I think of."

And awesome was right. In an almost chanceless knock, Hayden took complete control. Such was the strength and aggression of the innings that the Zimbabwean attack seemed about as effective as attacking a fortress with a pea-shooter. When he reached 334, equalling the Taylor/Bradman Australian-record score, the fans stood and applauded. As he passed the mark, they went into overdrive. "I can't believe this," said local girl Lisbeth. "I can't believe I'm actually here. Don't you feel sorry for anyone who isn't?"

By the time Hayden equalled Brian Lara's previous world mark of 375, both Lisbeth and her sister Jess were in tears. "I don't really know why I'm crying," said Jess. "It's all just so perfect. It's the best day possible." As the girls settled down to wait for the momentous run, they turned their attention to the teenage boy in front. He was packing away his hat, sunscreen and cushion. He was giving away his cardboard "4" and "6" signs. He was actually leaving. The sisters couldn't believe it. "Why would anyone be going now?" asked Lisbeth. "Doesn't he know he's about to witness history?"

As Hayden steadied over his bat, and waited for the bowler to turn, the punters began the slow, deliberate handclap. As the bowler began his run to the crease, they drummed out a rhythm on the boundary hoardings. As bat and ball connected they sent out an 8000-strong cry of "Haydos!" If he felt the pressure, or heard any of the cacophony, it didn't show. Hayden posted the record, ran down the pitch, and waved his bat high and wide above his head. Every member of the clapping, drumming, yelling crowd loved it.

"It's certainly a wonderful story to tell the grandkids," said Rick from Sydney. "I've just rung my girlfriend and she missed the whole thing. She's really annoyed about it. She was buying groceries at the supermarket. I'm trying my best to feel sorry for her but it's not working." Meanwhile Larry from Mount Pleasant was more concerned with jotting down the ever-increasing mountain of milestones. "I keep track of all the stats in my Test diary," he said, brandishing his ruler and collection of coloured pens. "But today is certainly pushing my limits. It's a doozy."

Hayden had 378 not out at the tea interval. The entire Australian team walked onto the ground to meet him, and applaud him back to the dressing-room. It was a gesture appreciated by all in attendance. "That's just fabulous," said Lisbeth between photos, hugs and handshakes. "What a team this is. What a day." The sentiment met with little disagreement. When, after the break, the innings finally came to a close, and Hayden made his way back to the pavilion with 380 alongside his name, the acclaim was long, loud and genuine. Those who'd seen it still couldn't quite believe it.

Apparently neither could the man himself. "I've spent so many years sitting on the beach wondering how I could get back into the Australian Test team," said Hayden at the media conference afterwards. "I'm not sure a moment like this ever sinks in." He told us he'd received a congratulatory phone call from Brian Lara, whose record he had taken. He told us he'd felt comfortable and "in the zone" all day. He told us he was proud to wear the baggy green cap, and that when, in 1993, he'd received his first one in the mail, he'd worn it to bed that night. And he reminded us that creating sporting history is as remarkable as bringing down a fortress with a pea-shooter.