2012 – England level the series in Colombo

England secured a vital win in Colombo to maintain their No. 1 Test ranking. Kevin Pietersen starred with a blistering 151 off 165 balls—his first away hundred in over a year—while Graeme Swann claimed ten wickets. Despite nerves chasing 92, England triumphed with a six from Pietersen sealing the win and leveling the series 1-1.

1996 – Jayasuriya’s blazing 76 off 28 balls

Sanath Jayasuriya delivered one of the most explosive ODI innings ever, smashing 76 from only 28 balls in the Singer Cup final against Pakistan. His fifty came off a record 17 balls, featuring 8 fours and 5 sixes. Despite his fireworks, Sri Lanka crumbled to 172 all out chasing 216. Pakistan claimed a convincing win in the end.

1972 – Gerry Liebenberg is born

South African opener Gerhardus Liebenberg was born. He had a short-lived Test career, famously dismissed first ball on debut against Sri Lanka in 1997-98 and failing to impress on the 1998 England tour. With a highest score of just 21 in four Tests, he was soon dropped and never returned to the international stage again.

1965 – Bev Congdon makes rare stumping as a substitute

In an unusual Test in Lahore between Pakistan and New Zealand, Bev Congdon became only the second substitute to execute a stumping in Test history. With injuries forcing New Zealand to rotate three wicketkeepers, Congdon stepped in temporarily and stumped Barry Sinclair, showcasing his versatility in a drawn match.

1962 – Umrigar’s final hundred in vain

Polly Umrigar scored an epic unbeaten 172 in just four hours, standing tall amid a faltering Indian lineup. His knock was crafted from 230 runs scored while he was at the crease. Sadly, his brilliance couldn't stop West Indies, who chased down their target to take a 4-0 lead in the series. It was Umrigar’s final Test century.

1943 – Dennis Amiss is born

Born on this day, Dennis Amiss became a pillar of England’s batting. Known for his immense concentration, he scored 11 Test centuries, including a legendary 262* against West Indies to save a Test. He scored the first-ever ODI century and ended with over 100 first-class tons. However, he struggled against Australia, with 7 ducks.

1882 – Bert Ironmonger is born

Australia’s Bert "Dainty" Ironmonger, born today, was a late-blooming left-arm spinner who debuted in Tests at 46. Despite missing a finger joint, he spun the ball prodigiously and took 11 for 24 against South Africa—the most economical ten-wicket haul ever. He played into his 50s and was known for his comically bad batting.

1878 – Maitland Hathorn is born

South African cricketer Maitland Hathorn was born on this day. He featured in 12 Tests from 1902 to 1911, scoring one century against England in 1906. Though he toured England and Australia, illness limited his success. Hathorn’s contributions came during the early days of South African cricket, helping lay its foundations.