
2018 – Australia loses first Test post-ball tampering scandal
Australia played their first Test after the infamous ball-tampering scandal and suffered a heavy defeat against South Africa in Johannesburg. With Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft suspended, the team struggled under Tim Paine’s leadership.
2011 – India reaches World Cup final
India defeated Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final at Mohali by 29 runs, with Sachin Tendulkar scoring a crucial 85. India went on to win the final against Sri Lanka on April 2.
2008 – M Vijay gets his India call-up
M Vijay was asked to leave a Ranji Trophy match and join the Indian squad for a Test against Australia after his impressive domestic performances. He later became a key opener for India in Test cricket.
2007 – Ireland stuns Bangladesh in World Cup
In the 2007 World Cup Super 8 stage, Ireland pulled off a stunning win over Bangladesh, chasing down 169 with ease. This win cemented Ireland’s reputation as a giant-killer in world cricket.
2004 – Brian Lara smashes fastest Test fifty
West Indies legend Brian Lara blasted the fastest Test fifty at the time, reaching the milestone in just 23 balls against Pakistan in Multan. His explosive knock showcased his ability to dominate any bowling attack.
2001 – Australia completes 16 consecutive Test wins
On this day, Australia defeated India in Mumbai to register their 16th consecutive Test win, a record at the time. However, this streak was soon broken in the next match, when India pulled off a famous victory in Kolkata, thanks to VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid’s heroic partnership.
1999 – Rahul Dravid and Azharuddin's partnership sinks Pakistan
Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Azharuddin put on a memorable 213-run partnership in the Chennai Test against Pakistan. Dravid scored 53, while Azharuddin played a stroke-filled 102, helping India recover from a poor start.
1995 – India wins Sharjah Cup
India defeated Pakistan in the final of the Sharjah Cup. Led by a brilliant all-round performance from Navjot Sidhu and Anil Kumble, India clinched the title in a thrilling encounter.
1986 – Javed Miandad begins historic run against India
Javed Miandad, who would famously hit a last-ball six against India in the Austral-Asia Cup final later in the year, started his dominant run with a gritty century in a Test match against India.
1984 – M Vijay's Late-Call Test Debut
M Vijay, born today, was called up for a Test against Australia in 2008 after scoring 462 in a Ranji game. His first Test century came in 2010, and he excelled against Australia and South Africa. Though he shined in home series, his form declined post-2017, leading to his drop.
1981 – Mluleki Nkala Dismisses Tendulkar Early
Zimbabwe pacer Mluleki Nkala, born today, dismissed Sachin Tendulkar with his second ODI ball in 1998. He took a Test five-for on debut in 2000 but never bettered his 3/12 in 50 ODIs before retiring in 2006.
1976 – Vikram Solanki, Cricket’s First Supersub
Born today, Solanki played 51 ODIs for England and became cricket's first Supersub in 2005. Though a prolific domestic batter, he never broke into the Test side and last played ODIs in 2006.
1973 – Stephen Fleming, New Zealand's Leader
Born today, Stephen Fleming was a tactical genius, leading New Zealand to World Cup semis and major Test victories. He retired in 2008 and later found success as Chennai Super Kings' coach.
1964 – John Morris and the Infamous Tiger Moth
John Morris, born today, was involved in the infamous Tiger Moth prank with David Gower in 1990-91. Though he had a promising career, he never played for England again after that incident.
1957 – David Gower, England’s Elegant Batter
Born today, Gower was England’s most graceful batter. Despite an inconsistent captaincy career, he became England's top Test run-scorer before moving into TV after being dropped in 1992.
1954 – Arnie Sidebottom, Multi-Sport Athlete
Born today, Sidebottom played one Test for England and was part of a rare father-son duo with Ryan. A determined pacer, he also played football for Manchester United.
1953 – Aftab Baloch Joins the 400 Club
Born today, Aftab Baloch scored 428 in 1973-74, the seventh-highest first-class score. Despite his talent, he played only two Tests for Pakistan.
1953 – The Three Ws Dominate in Jamaica
Frank Worrell, Everton Weekes, and Clyde Walcott all scored centuries in the same Test innings. Weekes also broke a West Indies Test series record.
1948 – England's Caribbean Tour Disaster
England ended their West Indies tour winless. Debutant Hines Johnson took 10 wickets, Everton Weekes hit his maiden century, and Gubby Allen played his last Test.
1941 – Ajit Wadekar, India's Historic Captain
Born today, Wadekar led India to landmark Test wins in England (1971) and West Indies. Though he managed only one Test ton, he later served as India's team manager.
1935 – John Murray, England’s Stylish Keeper
Born today, Murray had the second-most career first-class dismissals. His elegant batting shone in 1966 when he hit a Test century against West Indies.
1933 – Wally Hammond’s 336*
Hammond hit an unbeaten 336 against New Zealand, a Test record until 1938. His series average of 563 remains untouched.