2024 – Essex Penalized for Oversized Bat
On April 4, 2024, Essex’s Feroze Khushi used an oversized bat in a County Championship match against Nottinghamshire, exceeding the 10.8 cm limit. This violation led to a 12-point deduction, affecting their title hopes. Despite appealing, the Cricket Discipline Commission upheld the penalty, making it a major talking point in county cricket.
2023 – No Major Cricket Events Recorded
April 4, 2023, did not witness any significant cricket events or milestones. While regular domestic and international matches took place, no record-breaking performances or remarkable moments were noted on this day in cricket history.
2022 – South Africa's Win in Durban
South Africa won in Durban after nearly a decade as Keshav Maharaj took 7 for 32, bowling out Bangladesh for 53. Chasing 274, Bangladesh collapsed in 14 overs. It was the first time South Africa bowled out a side using only two bowlers.
1999 – Brian Lara's Blazing Knock
Brian Lara smashed a 100 off 82 balls in Antigua, his fastest in the series. Unlike his 213 in Jamaica and 153* in Barbados, this knock couldn’t save West Indies, as Australia won by 176 runs to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.
1989 – Birth of Steven Finn
England pacer Steven Finn was born. Debuting at 16, he became the youngest Englishman to 50 Test wickets. He shone in the 2015 Ashes and England’s 2016 South Africa tour but later lost pace and form, ending his Test career.
1960 – Birth of Jonathan Agnew
Jonathan Agnew, BBC's cricket voice, was born. Before his famed commentary career, he played three Tests for England as a seam bowler in the 1980s, known for his lighthearted yet insightful approach in the commentary box.
1957 – Birth of Paul Downton
England’s Paul Downton, a wicketkeeper-batter, was born. He played 30 Tests but retired in 1990 after an eye injury. He later became a banker and served as ECB's managing director in 2013.
1935 – Birth of Easton McMorris
West Indies opener Easton McMorris was born. He played 13 Tests from 1958-66, scoring one century against India. He struggled in England but led Jamaica to success in the Shell Shield.
1933 – Birth of Bapu Nadkarni
India’s Bapu Nadkarni, a precise left-arm spinner and gritty batter, was born. He scored one Test century and famously bowled 131 consecutive dot balls against England in 1963.
