wickets at 18, missing some games in November due to a side strain. He was selected on the 1977 tour of New Zealand but did not perform particularly well, taking only three first class wickets at an average of 72.66. One innings his bowling was called "gloomily unpenetrative." He was overlooked for selection on the 1977 Ashes; the fast bowlers who went were Thomson, Walker, Len Pascoe, Mick Malone and Geoff Dymock. World Series Cricket After knocking back a contract with the rebel organisation, Hurst was selected for the first test of the 1977–78 series against India. He took 0–31 and 2–50; he also scored 26 in the second innings, taking part in a 50-run last-wicket partnership with Jeff Thomson which proved crucial for Australia's victory. He kept his place in the second test but fell injured and was replaced by Sam Gannon. When Hurst recovered he was unable to force his way back into the side for the rest of the series, or on the 1978 tour of the West Indies. He took 41 first class wickets over 1977–78 at 27.24, including 8–84 against Queensland. 1978–79 summer Hurst did play in the entire Ashes series during the summer of 1978–79. In six Tests, he grabbed 25 wickets and formed an opening partnership with debutant Rodney Hogg that rivalled Lillee-Thomson for potency. Even though Australia lost 5–1, the England players were full of praise for Hurst, whose sustained pace and stamina impressed those who had previously believed him to be physically suspect. Hurst took 4–93 and 0–17 in the first test. The second brought him 3–70 and 1–43. He took 1–24 and 1–30 in the third. In the fourth he took 5–28 and 0–43. In the fifth his figures were 3–65 and 4–97. He took 2–7 for Australia in a one-day game, helping in a rare Australian victory that summer. In the sixth he took 3–58. Hurst played two tests against Pakistan. In the first he took 3–55 and 3–115, but an Australian batting collapse saw them lose the game. In the second test he took 4–61 and 5–94. He took 65 first class wickets over that summer at 20.81. He was a crucial contributor to Victoria winning the Sheffield Shield that summer. 1979 World Cup and India Tour Hurst was selected to go England for the second World Cup in 1979. He took 5–21 in a game against Canada.