The pages of cricket history unfold with fascinating stories, exceptional performances, and iconic moments. On this day, November 12th, various events have shaped the narrative of the sport. Let’s delve into the cricketing annals to explore the milestones etched on this significant date.
1910 – Dudley Nourse: The South African Maestro
In 1910, South Africa witnessed the birth of Dudley Nourse, a brilliant batter known for wielding his massive forearms to dominate bowlers off the back foot. Playing 35 Tests between 1935 and 1951, Nourse boasted an impressive average of 53, even in a team that secured only two Test victories during his tenure.
His defining moment came in 1951 at Trent Bridge, where, at the age of 40, he battled a broken thumb to craft a remarkable innings of 208, setting the stage for South Africa’s first Test win in 16 years.
Nourse’s cricketing lineage extended to his father, Dave Nourse, who played 45 consecutive Tests for South Africa in the early 20th century. Dudley Nourse’s legacy lives on, and he left a lasting impact on the cricketing world before his passing in Durban in 1981.
1995 – Narendra Hirwani’s Test Return
In Cuttack, Narendra Hirwani marked his return to Test cricket after almost five years with a stellar performance.
He dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup with figures of 6 for 59, but persistent monsoon rains limited the play to only 11 hours, resulting in a draw.
The match, however, saw Roger Twose finally getting a bat after ten days of Test cricket, showcasing resilience with a patient innings of 36.
1984 – Javed Miandad’s Masterclass in Peshawar
A challenging pitch in Peshawar set the stage for Javed Miandad’s batting masterclass as Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 46 runs in the first one-dayer.
In a rain-reduced 39-overs game, Miandad’s unbeaten 80 stood out, guiding Pakistan to victory. Debutant seamer Zakir Khan played a crucial role with 4 for 19 but failed to replicate his success in subsequent ODIs.
1993 – Glenn McGrath’s Debut
The legendary Glenn McGrath made his debut in the first Test between Australia and New Zealand in Perth. Despite his first-innings figures of 39-12-92-2, New Zealand initially dominated the match, with Andrew Jones scoring 143.
However, a formidable partnership of 198 between Michael Slater and Mark Taylor shifted the momentum, and the match ended in a draw, leaving a glimpse of McGrath’s future dominance.
2018 – Mushfiqur Rahim’s Record-breaking Innings
Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim etched his name in the record books on this day in 2018. He crafted the highest Test score by a Bangladesh batter, scoring an impressive 219 against Zimbabwe in Dhaka.
This innings not only made him the first wicketkeeper with two double-hundreds for Bangladesh but also set a new record for the most balls faced by a Bangladesh batter in Tests (421). His remarkable innings laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s victory by 218 runs.
1976 – Ryan Watson’s Contribution to Scottish Cricket
Born on this day, Ryan Watson became a key figure in Scotland’s middle order and later captained them in the 2007 World Cup.
On his one-day debut, he made a significant impact, scoring 80 against Pakistan.
Watson’s contributions added depth to Scotland’s cricketing endeavors, and his legacy extends beyond the boundary.
These events from November 12th in cricket history weave a tapestry of triumphs, resilience, and the occasional charming anecdote, showcasing the diverse and captivating nature of the sport.
