1996 – Wayne James' Incredible Logan Cup Final

In a remarkable domestic final in Bulawayo, Matabeleland's Wayne James equalled the world record with nine dismissals in Mashonaland’s first innings and added four more in the second, setting a match record of 13. Not stopping there, he scored 99 in the first innings and was left stranded on 99 not out in the second as his team secured a six-wicket victory.

1995 – Ambrose vs Waugh: A Fiery Trinidad Duel

West Indies dominated the third Test in Trinidad, powered by Curtly Ambrose's sensational 9 for 65. On a tough pitch, Steve Waugh’s heroic 63 not out was the only fifty of the match. In a heated moment, Ambrose confronted Waugh, who defiantly held his ground. Though West Indies won by nine wickets, Australia bounced back in Jamaica to clinch the series.

1988 – Birth of Dimuth Karunaratne

Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne was born on this day. Debuting with a duck in 2012, he showed resilience with an unbeaten 60 in the second innings. Over time, he carved a reputation for long, patient innings, including a career-best 244. His gritty 196 against Pakistan in Dubai helped Sri Lanka break Pakistan’s decade-long unbeaten UAE streak in 2017.

1987 – Richard Hadlee's Career-Best 151*

New Zealand’s legendary allrounder Richard Hadlee struck his highest Test score, an unbeaten 151 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. In a match noted for its slow pace, Hadlee’s 240-ball innings, featuring a record 246-run stand with Jeff Crowe, brightened the contest. It was New Zealand's 100th Test century and one of Hadlee’s most memorable batting feats.

1976 – Birth of Shabbir Ahmed

Pakistan's 6ft 5in pacer Shabbir Ahmed was born today. Known for his disconcerting bounce and high-arm action, he made an immediate impact with a five-wicket haul on debut against Bangladesh. Though his action was questioned, he remodelled it and returned briefly. His career included notable spells, including another five-for against New Zealand.

1945 – Birth of Srinivas Venkataraghavan

Srinivas Venkataraghavan, one of India’s most reliable offspinners, was born on this day. He played 57 Tests between 1964 and 1983, famous for his accuracy and ten-wicket match haul against New Zealand early in his career. He captained India in England in 1979, later coaching and managing the national side before becoming an accomplished Test umpire.

1922 – Birth of Allan Watkins

Allan Watkins, born today, was a key player for Glamorgan and England. A genuine allrounder, he helped Glamorgan win their first County Championship in 1948 and became their first player to feature in an Ashes Test. Despite his asthma, he made two Test centuries overseas and opened the bowling early in his career, before retiring on medical advice.

1919 – Birth of John Goddard

Born today, John Goddard captained West Indies in 22 of his 27 Tests, leading them to their first series win in England in 1950. A solid left-hand batter, offspinner, and sharp close fielder, he guided the side to victory in India and returned to lead after a brief step-down. Goddard's leadership during a crucial era helped lay the foundation for future West Indian success.