During a 2008-09 Test match between Australia and New Zealand, Andrew Symonds achieved the rare feat of scoring eight runs from a single delivery. The unusual sequence involved an all-run four and four overthrows.
Australia was 124 for four in the 46th over at the Gabba in Brisbane when the incident occurred. New Zealand fast bowler Iain O'Brien had previously induced a dropped catch off Symonds. O'Brien then bowled a short delivery which Symonds pulled towards mid-wicket. Aaron Redmond dropped the chance.
O'Brien responded with another short ball, which Symonds powerfully pulled. Symonds and Michael Clarke completed three runs before pushing for a fourth. New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum collected the throw but had no fielder backing him up, allowing the ball to roll to the boundary. Umpire Rudi Koertzen signaled eight runs, adding them to Australia’s score and Symonds’ tally.
This was not the first time eight runs had been scored from a single ball in Test cricket. The first recorded instance occurred in Melbourne during the 1928-29 series when England's Patsy Hendren scored eight after four runs and four overthrows off a delivery from Australian debutant Percy Hornibrook. Another such delivery happened in Melbourne during the 1980-81 season, with New Zealand’s John Wright benefiting from four runs and four overthrows after a throw from Rod Marsh went astray off Lenny Pascoe’s delivery.
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