1936
Bob Simpson, the celebrated Australian allrounder, was born on this day. Simpson was a master strokemaker, cunning leg spinner and a brilliant fielder. Gradually Simpson became a first-rated opening batsman. He posted his first hundred in 1964, much later than his debut, but converted it into a breakthrough 311. Simpson ended with 46.81 average after 62 Tests. He has 71 wickets to his credit. Later in his career, Simpson turned into a successful coach. In his stint, Australia won the World Cup in 1987 and an Ashes-regaining one in 1989.
1966
Danny Morrison, the strike bowler for New Zealand, was born on this day. He succeeded Richard Hadlee as New Zealand’s main strike bowler. In his 48 Tests he took 160 wickets and in 96 ODI he took 126 wickets. But as a batsman, Morrison has a dubious world record of 24 Test ducks.
