1923
Trevor Bailey, an outstanding all-rounder, was born on this day. The Englishman was a fast-medium swing bowler and a dependable batsman. Bailey later became a respected analyst with the BBC’s radio team. He died at the age of 87 in a fire in his retirement home in Essex.
1931
The first ever Test match played at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane between Australia and South Africa.
1976
Mark Boucher, the first wicket keeper to take 500 Test catches, was born on this day. The South African holds the record for most Test dismissals by a keeper. He has a total of 555 dismissals. Boucher overtook Ian Healy as the leading wicketkeeper in October 2007. As a batsman, Boucher made five Test hundreds. He was also a very useful ODI batsman who made a 44 balls hundred and three fifties in 22 balls.
1982
Mithali Raj, one of the flag bearers of women’s cricket, was born on this day. This Indian batter announced her arrival in international cricket by scoring a 214 against England in Taunton at the age of 19. Mithali was the captain of India in their first World Cup final in 2005 against Australia and also in 2017. She also led India to their first series victory in England in 2006. Mithali Raj is currently the highest run scorer in women’s ODI.
1984
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan , the leg spinner playing only his second Test led India’s victory over England in Bombay. Shiva, as he was fondly called, bulldozered the English side by taking 12 for 181 in the match. Amazingly it was India’s only victory in 42 Tests between 1981 and 1986.
1986
Courtney Walsh produced a gem of a bowling spell of 4.3-3-1-5 in Sharjah against Sri Lanka. This is the most economical bowling spell l in international history. West Indies won by 193 runs as Sri Lanka crumbled to 55 all out.
2007
Muttiah Muralitharan became the highest wicket taker in Test cricket by scalping Paul Collingwood in Kandy. Murali captured his 709th wicket and took a total of 9 wickes in the mach. It was Sanath Jayasuriya’s last match and Chaminda Vaas’ 100th match.
