Junior’s Giant
The debate over the biggest six in Sydney, and global cricket in general, remains murky due to the recent introduction of accurate measuring systems. Most discussions rely on unreliable memories, low-quality TV footage, Google Earth, and tales shared in bars and online forums.
While there’s no doubt about Steve Smith’s impressive six, his Sixers teammate Ben Dwarshuis hit a comparable massive six landing on the roof of the O’Reilly Stand in 2024, with a verified distance of 108 meters. Both were struck from different ends of the SCG.
The question of which hit is the biggest remains open, as various unverified, yet strong claims circulate about the biggest sixes ever witnessed at the SCG. According to legend, the six hit by Mark Waugh during a Sheffield Shield match in 1990 is often considered the largest by many cricket fans. Waugh’s shot cleared the Members’ Stand, landing 110-115 meters away.
The Roof Brigade
Hitting the roofs of the Members’ or Ladies’ Stand is a rare achievement, often leading to memorable stories. In 1964, Pakistani cricketer Farooq Hameed hit a notable six that reached the Ladies Stand’s roof, marking one of the biggest in the ground’s history.
Cricket folklore mentions legends like Charlie Bannerman and Victor Trumper, whose massive sixes are still remembered. Occasions when players hit the roof include young Saeed Anwar in 1990 and Joel Garner, confirming that landing a ball on the roof typically represents a distance of 100-110 meters.
Dougie’s Fishing Trip
One memorable six was actually not hit at the SCG itself. Back in 1962, Doug Walters, then a teenager, cleared the brick fence during a match at the old SCG No.2 ground. His six reportedly traveled 140 meters, landing in Kippax Lake.
O’Donnell Power
Before Smith’s recent hit, the biggest six recorded in the Brewongle was struck by Simon O’Donnell, who easily cleared the back deck. O’Donnell laments how the technology and athlete power behind today’s cricket players contribute to their exceptional hitting abilities compared to earlier times.
