1904
Ellis Achong, the father of Chinaman bowling, was born on this day. He was the first cricketer of Chinese extraction to play Test cricket, appearing for West Indies in six matches against England and taking eight wickets at 47.25. In the second Test at Old Trafford in 1933, Achong dismissed Walter Robins. While leaving the crease,it was heard Robins saying, “Fancy being out to a bloody Chinaman.” Thus his type of left-arm spin bowling came to be known as Chinaman.
1954
Michael Holding, the silent punisher with the ball, was born on this day. Holding belonged to that generation of West Indies cricket when the Carribeans ruled the world. Holding played 60 Tests for his country. He made his Test debut against Australia in 1975. In Tests he took 249 wickets at an average of 23.68.
1972
Lawrence Rowe, the only man to make a double-century and a hundred on Test debut, made his debut on this day. In his first Test against New Zealand, he made a mighty 214 and 100.
