2023 – Pat Cummins Leads Australia to WTC Victory

Pat Cummins captained Australia to victory in the World Test Championship final against India at The Oval. Australia dominated the match, with Travis Head scoring a brilliant century. This win solidified Australia’s dominance in all formats, adding the WTC trophy to their already impressive collection of ICC titles.

2022 – England’s ‘Bazball’ Revolution Begins

Brendon McCullum was appointed England’s Test coach, introducing an aggressive brand of cricket later termed ‘Bazball.’ Under his leadership, England won Test matches with fearless stroke play and bold declarations. This approach rejuvenated England’s red-ball cricket and set new standards for attacking Test play.

2021 – India’s Historic Gabba Win

India, led by Ajinkya Rahane in Virat Kohli’s absence, defeated Australia at the Gabba to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rishabh Pant’s fearless 89* sealed a thrilling chase, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue. The injury-hit Indian side’s resilience made it one of the greatest Test series victories in history.

2019 – England Wins Its First ODI World Cup

England won their maiden Cricket World Cup in a dramatic final against New Zealand at Lord’s. The match ended in a tie, leading to a Super Over that also ended level. England was declared the winner on the boundary count rule, sparking debate over the fairness of the decision but marking a historic moment for English cricket.

2016 – Carlos Brathwaite’s Four Sixes

West Indies won the T20 World Cup in 2016 after Carlos Brathwaite smashed four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the final over against England. His brutal hitting secured West Indies’ second T20 World Cup title, with Ian Bishop’s iconic commentary—"Remember the name!"—becoming part of cricket folklore.

2011 – Ricky Ponting Steps Down

Ricky Ponting resigned as Australia’s captain after their 2011 World Cup quarter-final exit. He led Australia through a dominant era but struggled in his final years, losing the Ashes at home and failing to retain the World Cup. Despite losing greats like Warne, McGrath, and Gilchrist, he still managed 48 Test wins as captain, making him one of Australia’s most successful leaders.

2007 – Malinga's Four Wickets in Four Balls

Lasith Malinga made history by taking four wickets in four balls against South Africa in a World Cup match. He dismissed Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, and Makhaya Ntini, reducing South Africa from near victory to panic. However, Charl Langeveldt and Robin Peterson survived 11 tense deliveries before Peterson edged a four to take South Africa home.

2005 – Pakistan's Historic Win in Bangalore

Younis Khan’s magnificent 267 helped Pakistan secure a 168-run win over India in Bangalore, leveling the series. He shared a 324-run partnership with Inzamam-ul-Haq (184). Though Virender Sehwag’s double century gave India hope, Danish Kaneria and Mohammad Sami ran through the lineup on the final day. Younis also contributed a second-innings fifty to seal Pakistan’s triumph.

1995 – Queensland Wins First Sheffield Shield

Queensland ended 68 years of heartbreak by finally winning their first Sheffield Shield title. They crushed South Australia by an innings at the Gabba, with Allan Border scoring 98 in his final Shield innings. Queensland had finished runners-up 14 times and lost six finals since 1982, making this long-awaited victory an emotional and historic moment for the team and its supporters.

1962 – Lance Gibbs’ 8 for 38

West Indies off-spinner Lance Gibbs produced one of the most economical spells in Test history, taking 8 for 38 in India’s second innings in Barbados. His stunning figures of 53.3-37-38-8 helped West Indies secure an innings victory. Gibbs' spell included a remarkable stretch of 15.3 overs where he conceded only six runs, dismantling India with unplayable turn and accuracy.

1956 – Birth of Asoka de Silva

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Asoka de Silva, who later became an elite ICC umpire, was born on this day. He played ten Tests but struggled, averaging 129 with the ball. As an umpire, he initially gained respect for his decision-making but was removed from the ICC’s elite panel in 2011 after criticism during the World Cup. Despite this, he remained a significant figure in Sri Lankan cricket.

1955 – The Lowest Score in Test History

New Zealand were bowled out for just 26 against England in Auckland, the lowest Test score ever. Bob Appleyard took 4 for 7, Brian Statham 3 for 9, and Frank Tyson 2 for 10, securing an innings victory. This match was also Len Hutton’s last Test. The Kiwis had started their second innings 46 runs behind, but England’s bowlers dismantled them with ease.

1951 – Alex Moir’s Consecutive Overs

New Zealand leg-spinner Alex Moir bowled two successive overs in a Test match against England in Wellington – one before tea and one immediately after. This rare feat had not been seen in Test cricket for 30 years, since Warwick Armstrong did it in 1921. Moir, known for his unusual bowling action, played 17 Tests for New Zealand but struggled for consistency at the international level.

1926 – Birth of Polly Umrigar

One of India's best post-war batters, Polly Umrigar, was born on this day. He was known for his powerful cuts and drives, holding many national batting records until Sunil Gavaskar overtook him. He played a key role in India’s first Test win in 1951-52. Also a useful bowler and captain, he led Bombay to five straight Ranji Trophy titles. He passed away in 2006 at age 80.

1924 – Birth of Hanif Mohammad

Pakistan's legendary batter Hanif Mohammad was born on this day. Famous for his marathon 337 against the West Indies in 1958, he was known as the ‘Little Master’ before Sachin Tendulkar inherited the title. Hanif played a crucial role in establishing Pakistan as a competitive Test team in its early years.

1914 – Birth of Hedley Verity

England’s left-arm spinner Hedley Verity was born. He was known for his accuracy and ability to extract turn even on unresponsive pitches. He once took 10 wickets for 10 runs in a county match and dismissed Don Bradman multiple times. Verity tragically died in World War II at the age of 38.

1900 – First Cricket Match in the Olympics

Cricket was played at the Olympics for the first and only time in 1900. The final match saw Great Britain defeat France in Paris. The sport never returned to the Games, though there have been discussions about its inclusion in future Olympics.

1990 – England Denied Victory

England were controversially denied a Test win in Trinidad due to rain and West Indies’ slow over rate under stand-in captain Desmond Haynes. Only 16.5 overs were bowled in 115 minutes, and England fell 31 runs short. At that time, West Indies had not lost a Test series in ten years, making England’s near-victory a rare achievement before West Indies won the series 2-1.

1968 – Birth of Nasser Hussain

Born on this day, Nasser Hussain became one of England’s most respected captains. He led England to four consecutive series wins, earning praise for his tactical acumen and leadership. Though his career had setbacks, including Ashes defeats and brittle fingers, his 207 against Australia in 1997 remains iconic. After retiring in 2004, he transitioned to a successful commentary career.

1981 – Viv Richards' Blistering Century

Viv Richards scored a brilliant 114 in Antigua’s inaugural Test against England. Playing his first Test innings on home soil, he smashed 90 runs in boundaries but took 306 minutes to complete his ton. England managed to draw the rain-affected match, thanks to a crucial century from Geoff Boycott, though they suffered a humiliating series loss to West Indies.

1975 – Birth of Ata-ur-Rehman

Pakistan fast bowler Ata-ur-Rehman showed promise as a teenager but saw his career overshadowed by match-fixing allegations. He played 13 Tests but was banned for life in 2000 due to his involvement in fixing. The ICC lifted his ban in 2007, allowing him to return to cricket, though he never regained his former potential. His story remains a cautionary tale in cricket history.