1863 – Andrew Stoddart is born

A multi-talented sportsman, Stoddart played both cricket and rugby for England. He made a world record 485 in a single innings while playing for Hampstead, incredibly after an all-night poker session. He captained England in both sports, leading the cricket team to Australia twice. However, financial troubles and declining health led him to take his own life three weeks after his 52nd birthday.

1910 – Hobbs’ first Test century

Jack Hobbs scored his maiden Test hundred (187) against South Africa in Cape Town. His innings ended in an unusual fashion—getting out hit-wicket, the only time in his career. England dominated the match and won by nine wickets. Meanwhile, South African all-rounder Aubrey Faulkner suffered heartbreak as he became the first South African to be dismissed for 99 in a Test match.

1915 – Vijay Hazare is born

One of India's greatest batters, Vijay Hazare, was born. Due to World War II, he debuted late at 31 in 1946. Despite India's poor Test record, he averaged 47 and excelled with centuries against England and Australia. His first-class career was remarkable, with an average of 58, including a stunning 309 not out in a team total of 387.

1929 – Jackie McGlew is born

Jackie McGlew was known for his ultra-defensive batting style. He once batted for almost ten hours for a century against Australia in 1957-58, the slowest first-class century at the time. Despite this, he captained South Africa in 14 Tests and maintained a Test average of 42. Off the field, he was a brilliant fielder, known for his agility in the covers.

1949 – Ranji Trophy's highest-scoring match

The Ranji Trophy semi-final between Bombay and Maharashtra produced 2376 runs for 38 wickets, the highest-scoring first-class match ever. The game featured 19 centuries—nine from batters and ten for bowlers. Surprisingly, Bhausaheb Nimbalkar, known for his unbeaten 443 in another match, struggled with scores of 25 and 21.

1980 – All Australians bowl in Faisalabad

In an uneventful rain-affected Test match, all 11 Australian players had a chance to bowl against Pakistan. Even wicketkeeper Rod Marsh removed his pads to bowl ten overs, a rare occurrence in Test cricket. The match produced 999 runs for just 12 wickets, including double centuries from Greg Chappell and Pakistan's Taslim Arif, whose 210* was the highest Test score by a wicketkeeper until 2000.

1982 – Hasan Raza is born

Hasan Raza made his Test debut at the controversial age of 14 years and 227 days, making him the youngest ever Test cricketer. However, doubts remain about the accuracy of his age records. He made a promising 27 in his debut match against Zimbabwe but struggled to secure a permanent spot in the Pakistan team.

1985 – Ajantha Mendis is born

Ajantha Mendis burst onto the scene as a mystery spinner, baffling batsmen with his carrom ball and unorthodox variations. He destroyed India in his debut series in 2008, taking 26 wickets. However, batsmen soon adapted to his style, and he struggled to maintain his place in the Sri Lankan team after Murali’s retirement.

1992 – Australia falters against Pakistan

In a crucial World Cup match in Perth, Pakistan stunned Australia with a 48-run victory. Australia, chasing 221, seemed in control at 116 for 2 before Mushtaq Ahmed's leg-spin triggered a collapse. Panic set in as Australia lost eight wickets for 56 runs, significantly denting their semi-final hopes. This match marked the beginning of Pakistan’s run to the title.

1996 – Lara stuns South Africa

Brian Lara played one of his most destructive World Cup innings, scoring 111 off just 94 balls against South Africa in the quarter-finals. South Africa, who had left out Allan Donald for Paul Adams, struggled against spin and lost eight wickets to West Indies' slow bowlers, suffering a shocking 19-run defeat.

1996 – Australia overcomes New Zealand

In the same World Cup quarter-final day, Australia chased down New Zealand’s massive 286-run total in a thrilling match. Mark Waugh's brilliant 110, his third century of the tournament, anchored the chase. Shane Warne provided a crucial late boost with 24 off 14 balls, and Steve Waugh and Stuart Law calmly finished the job.

2024 – Carey rescues Australia

In Christchurch, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee played their 100th Tests, but it ended in heartbreak as New Zealand lost to Australia. Chasing 279, Australia stumbled at 80 for 5 before Alex Carey's masterful 98* and Pat Cummins’ support guided them to victory. Carey was left stranded two short of a century when Cummins hit the winning runs.

1972 – Kennedy Otieno is born

Kenyan wicketkeeper-batter Kennedy Otieno was a key figure in Kenya’s 2003 World Cup semi-final run. His crucial knocks, including 60 against Sri Lanka and 79 against India, helped Kenya make history. He later moved to Australia to play club cricket, which led to his omission from the 2007 World Cup squad.

1977 – Dirk Viljoen is born

A left-handed batter and slow left-arm bowler, Dirk Viljoen represented Zimbabwe mainly in one-day internationals. Though he showed promise early in his career, his form deteriorated, and he was dropped after the 2001-02 England series.