1930
Alimuddin, a sensational bat who could not live up to the expectation, was born on this day. He played 25 Tests for Pakistan. In his country’s first home series, in 1954-55 against India, he scored three half-centuries and an unbeaten 103 in five Tests. But he failed to show similar consistency over the rest of his career.
1966
Carl Hooper, the right-hand batsman and right-arm offbreak bowler for West Indies, was born on this day. Hooper made his first century only in his second Test against India in Calcutta. Hooper was a clean attacking batsman but he often failed to deliver when things mattered. The captaincy, which he took on after a prolonged absence from the side, briefly brought out the best in him, and for two years he averaged nearer 50.
