Cricket Events on This Day
2001 – Don Bradman Passes Away
Legendary Australian batsman Don Bradman passed away at 92. His Test batting average of 99.94 remains unmatched in cricket history. He scored 29 centuries in just 52 Tests and inspired generations of cricketers worldwide.
1938 – Birth of Farokh Engineer
Farokh Engineer, India's flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter, was born. Known for his attacking batting and sharp glovework, he was a key player for India in the 1960s and '70s. He also became famous for endorsing Brylcreem and later worked as a commentator.
1993 – Pakistan’s ODI Collapse
Pakistan were bowled out for just 43 runs against the West Indies at Cape Town, the lowest ODI total at the time. The tricky pitch and Curtly Ambrose’s devastating spell dismantled the batting lineup in just 19.5 overs.
2021 – India’s Two-Day Test Win
India thrashed England in a two-day pink-ball Test at Motera (now Narendra Modi Stadium), winning by 10 wickets. Axar Patel took 11 wickets, and R. Ashwin reached the milestone of 400 Test wickets, dominating England’s batting lineup.
1975 – Ewen Chatfield’s Near-Fatal Injury
New Zealand’s Ewen Chatfield suffered a life-threatening injury after being hit on the head by a bouncer from Peter Lever. He was saved by immediate medical intervention, highlighting the dangers of cricket before helmets became standard.
1990 – The 77-Run Over
In one of cricket’s strangest moments, New Zealand’s Robert Vance bowled a 22-ball over, conceding 77 runs in a first-class match. His deliberate move was meant to force a result, leading to an unexpected cricketing record.
2024 – Western Australia’s Marsh Cup Hat-Trick
Western Australia clinched their third consecutive Marsh Cup title, defeating New South Wales in the final. Their dominance in Australia’s domestic one-day tournament continued with a commanding performance.
1971 – Birth of Stuart MacGill
Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill was born. Despite often being overshadowed by Shane Warne, MacGill took 208 wickets in 44 Tests and was one of the finest wrist spinners of his era.
1978 – Ian Botham’s First Test Century
England all-rounder Ian Botham scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand. His aggressive batting and all-round brilliance made him one of England’s greatest cricketers.
1989 – Miandad’s Final Double Century
Javed Miandad scored 271 against New Zealand in Auckland, his last double century in Test cricket. The legendary Pakistani batsman played a crucial role in his team’s dominance during the 1980s.
1914 – Birth of John Arlott
Famed cricket commentator John Arlott, known as the "Voice of Cricket," was born. His poetic commentary and deep knowledge of the game made him one of the most beloved broadcasters in cricket history.
2017 – Australia’s Big Win in Pune
Australia stunned India with a 333-run victory in the inaugural Test at Pune. Steve O’Keefe took 12 wickets, dismantling India’s strong batting lineup, while Steve Smith led from the front with a brilliant century.
1886 – Birth of Wally Hardinge
Wally Hardinge, an England opener, was born. Though overshadowed by legends like Hobbs and Sutcliffe, he had a solid career and also played professional football.
1966 – Birth of Don Anurasiri
Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Don Anurasiri was born. He played 18 Tests and 45 ODIs, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack in the 1990s.
1855 – Birth of George Bonnor
Australian cricketer George Bonnor, known for his powerful hitting, was born. His ability to clear boundaries in the 19th century made him a standout performer in early Test cricket.
1991 – Twin Centuries in NZ-SL Test
Andrew Jones (186) and Asanka Gurusinha (147) scored centuries in a drawn Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Their marathon stand ensured a solid batting display in the second innings.
1954 – Birth of Steve Rixon
Australian wicketkeeper Steve Rixon was born. He later became a successful coach, working with teams like New Zealand and Pakistan, helping to develop their wicketkeeping and fielding standards.
1977 – Birth of Matthew Bell
New Zealand opener Matthew Bell was born. He played 18 Tests across two separate stints, scoring two centuries, including a memorable 107 against Bangladesh in 2008.
