2005 – India Reach Women's World Cup Final

India became the first Asian team to enter the Women's World Cup final, facing Australia in Centurion. Despite the milestone, India were outplayed as Karen Rolton scored an unbeaten 107 to power Australia to a 98-run win and their fifth World Cup title. The match marked a significant moment in Indian women’s cricket history.

1990 – Curtly Ambrose's 8 for 45 Demolishes England

In Barbados, Curtly Ambrose delivered a devastating spell to crush England's resistance. With England trying to save the match, Ambrose took 5 wickets in 80 minutes using the second new ball. His final figures, 8 for 45, remained his best in Tests and epitomized his trademark destruction with pace, bounce, and lethal accuracy.

1990 – Birth of T20 Powerhouse Chris Lynn

Australian power-hitter Chris Lynn was born on this day. Known for his brutal batting in T20 leagues like the IPL and BBL, Lynn gained fame with massive sixes and rapid runs. Though his international career was brief, he became a marquee name in franchise cricket during the late 2010s with consistent explosive performances.

1979 – Final Day of World Series Cricket

The fifth SuperTest between West Indies and Australia ended in a tame draw, closing the chapter on World Series Cricket. Rod Marsh's century helped Australia avoid defeat. Though the result was anticlimactic, WSC had a transformative impact on global cricket, introducing innovations that shaped the modern game.

1972 – Birth of Ian Harvey, the 'Freak'

Ian Harvey, nicknamed "The Freak," was born on this day. A specialist in ODIs and early T20s, Harvey was known for his deceptive bowling, sharp fielding, and late-order hitting. He played key roles for Australia and English counties, becoming the first player to score a century in England’s Twenty20 Cup in 2003.

1930 – Birth of Shujahuddin Butt

Shujahuddin Butt, a steady left-arm spinner and useful lower-order batter, played 19 Tests for Pakistan. He also served as a national selector and was a war prisoner during the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict. His service extended beyond cricket, leaving a legacy as both a player and patriot with over 300 first-class wickets.

1923 – Birth of John Watkins

South African allrounder John Watkins was born on this day. He was a disciplined swing bowler and aggressive batsman who helped South Africa draw a surprise 2-2 Test series in Australia in 1952-53. Watkins impressed with both bat and ball, including a memorable 4 for 22 in a big win over New Zealand later that season.

1914 – Birth of 'Foffie' Williams

Foffie Williams, a flamboyant West Indian allrounder, is remembered for a legendary 72 in Bridgetown in 1948. Called up due to Frank Worrell’s illness, he smashed 6, 6, 4, 4 in his first four balls off Jim Laker. His fifty came in just 30 minutes and remains one of cricket’s most electrifying innings despite playing only four Tests.

1914 – Birth of Jack Badcock

Jack Badcock, born in Tasmania, was the second-youngest Australian to play first-class cricket. Despite a high first-class average, his Test career was erratic. He hit a brilliant 118 against England but failed in 11 other innings. Known as “Musso” due to a resemblance to Mussolini, he remains a curious figure in Aussie cricket.