1937
Bill Lawry, one of the greatest openers of Australian side, was born on this day. Left-handed Lawry had a tremendous debut series in 1961 against England when he accumulated 420 runs including a century at Lord’s. He became the captain in1967-68 against India but his captaincy did not long much after poor performance against South Africa in 1969-70 and then surrendering the Ashes a year later. He was dropped from the side at the age of 33.
1948
Frank Worrell, the unparalleled West Indies’ captain, made his Test debut on this day. He started against England in Trinidad making 97. In the next Test he made 131. As a captain, he united the West Indies team. The affection with which his team was received in Australia during the landmark tour of 1960-61 is enshrined in the trophy named after him, which the two teams play for to date.
2003
Shane Warne has to return from the World Cup campaign after he was tested positive for diuretics, scandalized by having dates with nurses and accused of having contacts with bookies. He protested that he had taken the tablets on the advice of his mother, who wanted him to look good in front of the cameras. But the Australian board banned him from all cricket for a year.
2003
Canada, playing in its first World Cup match for 24 years, defeated Bangladesh, a Test-playing nation. Canada made a commendable total of 180. Bangladesh then collapsed for 120 as Canada’s seamer Austin Codrington took 5 for 27.
