1936
Phil Sharpe, the English cricketer famous for his close-in fielding, was born on this day. A brilliant slip fielder, Sharpe held an amazing catch off a ferocious cut by Joey Carew of West Indies.
1940
David Shepherd, the person who was eternally favourite among players and spectators in spite of not being an international player, was born on this day. Shepherd was an umpire who officiated in six World Cups (1983-2003), including three finals. The Englishman never played a Test match but was an umpire in 92 matches. Some of his superstitions became famous like the gull-like one-legged stance and assorted hops and skips when a team scored the dreaded Nelsons of 111, 222, 333 etc.
1981
Dennis Lillee took his record-breaking wicket on this day. As Lillee scalped Larry Gomes of West Indies in Melborne, he overtook Lance Gibb’s record of 309 wickets set in 1975-76.
