2001 – Laxman and Dravid’s Kolkata Miracle

2001 Things weren't looking good for India on the fourth day of the second Test in Kolkata. Following on after a heavy defeat in the first Test, they were effectively minus 20 for 4. But VVS Laxman, already on 109, had other plans. By stumps, he was on 275, with Rahul Dravid moving from 7 to 155. Laxman’s 281 became the highest Test score by an Indian then, setting up one of cricket’s greatest comebacks. A day later, Harbhajan Singh sealed the win with Glenn McGrath’s dismissal, sending the Kolkata crowd into raptures.

1999 – Lara’s Masterclass in Jamaica

1999 After being bowled out for 51 and falling to 34 for 4, Brian Lara led West Indies' comeback with a sublime 213. He and Jimmy Adams added 344 for the fifth wicket, setting up a ten-wicket win over Australia. Lara followed this up with an iconic 153* in the next Test.

1996 – Australia’s Thrilling Semi-final Win

1996 Australia recovered from 15 for 4 to post 207 in the World Cup semi-final against West Indies in Mohali. Despite needing only 43 runs with eight wickets in hand, West Indies collapsed, losing 8 for 37. Damien Fleming sealed the win in the final over, while Richie Richardson watched helplessly from the non-striker’s end.

1986 – Gatting’s Broken Thumb

1986 Mike Gatting returned from his nose injury only to have his thumb broken by Barbadian quick bowler Vibert Greene in the Caribbean, keeping him out of two more Tests. He returned for the last, just in time to watch Viv Richards dominate England.

1986 – Elton Chigumbura’s Birthday

1986 Zimbabwe’s Elton Chigumbura, known for his power-hitting, was fast-tracked into the team in 2004. He impressed in 2009 with a series of strong performances and later led Zimbabwe to ODI victories against Australia and New Zealand. Chigumbura also captained Zimbabwe on their historic return to Pakistan after six years.

1982 – Wettimuny’s Landmark Century

1982 Sidath Wettimuny became Sri Lanka’s first Test centurion, scoring 157 against Pakistan in Faisalabad. He and Roy Dias also shared their country's first century partnership. The match ended in a draw, marking Sri Lanka’s first non-defeat in Test cricket.

1981 – Holding’s Unplayable Over

1981 Michael Holding bowled what is considered one of the greatest overs in Test history to Geoff Boycott in Bridgetown. Each ball grew fiercer until the final one swung in and shattered Boycott’s off stump. England, already struggling, lost heavily in a match overshadowed by the sudden death of their assistant coach Ken Barrington.

1969 – Seymour Nurse’s Grand Finale

1969 In his last Test innings, Seymour Nurse smashed 258 against New Zealand in Christchurch. It was his sixth Test hundred, three of which came in his last four matches. West Indies enforced the follow-on, but Brian Hastings’ maiden Test hundred saved New Zealand.

1966 – The Mystery of Tertius Bosch

1966 South African pacer Tertius Bosch, born today, played one Test before dying under mysterious circumstances at 33 in February 2000. Initially thought to be a rare viral infection, later investigations suggested possible poisoning. Bosch had reportedly suspected his wife of infidelity and had her followed.

1963 – Bruce Reid’s Birthday

1963 Australian left-arm quick Bruce Reid, born today, was a fine bowler with 113 Test wickets at 24. His best came in the 1990-91 Ashes, taking 27 wickets in four Tests, including 13 in Melbourne. However, a series of back injuries cut his career short, and he played only five more Tests.

1938 – John Gleeson, the Mystery Spinner

1938 Australian spinner John Gleeson, born today, was famous for his unorthodox grip, inspired by another mystery spinner, Jack Iverson. While initially effective, batters soon deciphered his deliveries, and he struggled at the Test level, taking a wicket only every 95 balls.

1937 – Peter van der Merwe’s Leadership

1937 South African cricketer Peter van der Merwe, born today, captained his country to Test series wins over England in 1965 and Australia in 1966-67. Originally a slow left-arm bowler, he became a specialist batter. After retirement, he served as chairman of selectors and an ICC match referee.