1964
Eddie Barlow and Graeme Pollock partnered to score 341 runs against Australia in Adelaide that remained South Africa’s highest for any wicket in Tests for nearly 40 years. Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith broke it. Barlow hit 201 and Pollock made 175.
1974
Chaminda Vaas, the man who spearheaded the pace attack of Sri Lankan cricket for many years, was born on this day. A cut and swing left-arm bowler, Vaas’ efforts were mostly overshadowed by Muralitharan’s success. But he was a man of all seasons. His 10 for 90 against New Zealand in Napier in 1994-95. Vaas has the greatest one-day figures of all time: 8 for 19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo.
1979
Daniel Vettori, the bespectacled left-arm spinner for New Zealand, was born on this day. Vettori is regarded as the greatest Kiwi spinner till date. He became New Zealand’s youngest cricketer to play Test cricket at 18 years ten days. He also achieved the feat of becoming the youngest spinner to take 100 Test wickets at 21 years 46 days. Vettori is one of only eight players to have managed the double of 300 Test wickets and 3000 runs. But his injuries shortened his career. He finished with 362 Test wickets and 305 ODI wickets.
