Cricket history, a tapestry woven with remarkable performances and unforgettable moments, holds a special place for the 14th of November. Let’s delve into the annals of time to revisit some significant events in the world of cricket that transpired on this day.
1971: Adam Gilchrist – A Game-Changing Wicketkeeper
On this day in 1971, the cricketing world was blessed with the birth of Adam Gilchrist, a wicketkeeper-batsman who would redefine the role. Following Ian Healy’s retirement, Australia seemed vulnerable in the wicketkeeper department.
However, Gilchrist emerged as a force to be reckoned with, boasting an average of over 40 and scoring runs at an astonishing rate. Integral to Steve Waugh’s Test cricket revolution, Gilchrist played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance during the era.
His memorable innings include a brutal 152 against England at Edgbaston in 2001, a sensational 122 in Mumbai against India, and a monumental 204 not out in Johannesburg against South Africa. Gilchrist also holds the record for the fourth-fastest Test century in terms of balls faced and was the first player to hit 100 Test sixes.
While he bid farewell to Test cricket in 2007-08, his cricketing prowess endured in the IPL, where he led the Deccan Chargers to victory in 2009.
1904: Birth of Harold Larwood – Key Figure in Bodyline Controversy
Harold Larwood, born on this day in 1904, is best remembered for his role in the infamous Bodyline controversy during the 1932-33 Ashes series. Larwood was the main executor of Douglas Jardine’s leg theory, which proved highly effective against Australia.
In five Tests, Larwood took 33 wickets at an average of 19.51, making even Don Bradman appear human. Despite his brilliance, Larwood was never selected for England again, partly due to his refusal to apologize for the controversial tactics.
Larwood’s hostility and speed, coupled with his powerful hitting, left a lasting impact on the game. He emigrated to Australia later in life and passed away in Sydney in 1995.
2021: Australia Clinches T20 World Cup
In 2021, a new chapter was written in T20 cricket as Australia emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup in Dubai. Facing New Zealand in the final, Australia secured an emphatic eight-wicket win. Kane Williamson’s masterful 85 off 48 balls powered New Zealand to a formidable total of 172.
However, Australia’s strong start, thanks to Josh Hazlewood’s impactful bowling (3 for 16), and the record-breaking performances of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh ensured a comfortable chase. Marsh set a new record for the fastest fifty in T20 World Cups, reaching the milestone in just 31 balls.
1981: Lillee-Inspired Rout at WACA
Dennis Lillee showcased his prowess in a Test match at the WACA in Perth on this day in 1981. Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat as they were dismissed for just 62, their lowest Test score at the time. Lillee’s fiery spell yielded figures of 5 for 18, while Terry Alderman chipped in with 4 for 36.
Australia eventually won the match by 286 runs, but not without controversy. Lillee’s on-field altercation with Javed Miandad, including a deliberate impediment and kick, sparked a heated exchange, leading to Lillee’s suspension from two one-day internationals.
2015: All-Stars T20 Series in the United States
In 2015, cricket enthusiasts in the United States witnessed the culmination of the inaugural All-Stars T20 series. Shane Warne’s Warriors emerged victorious by sweeping the three-match T20 series against Sachin Tendulkar’s Blasters.
Featuring retired legends and recently retired players, the series showcased cricketing icons like Kumar Sangakkara and Virender Sehwag. The exhibition matches, played at baseball fields in New York, Houston, and Los Angeles, attracted large crowds from the diverse Asian diaspora in the country.
1983: Australia’s Dominance Against Pakistan at WACA
The WACA in Perth witnessed another routine victory for Australia against Pakistan on this day in 1983. Australia won by an innings and nine runs, with Carl Rackemann starring with match figures of 11 for 118. Wayne Phillips (159 on debut) and Graham Yallop (141) laid the foundation for victory with a formidable partnership of 259 for the second wicket.
1843: Allen Hill – The First Ever Test Wicket-Taker
In 1843, Allen Hill, a Yorkshireman, etched his name in the history books by taking the first-ever Test wicket. Although his all-round record suggests exceptional quality (batting average: 50.50, bowling average: 18.57), Hill’s cricketing legacy was based on just two Tests.
He bowled Nat Thomson for 1 on the first morning of the inaugural Test in Melbourne in 1876-77 and also claimed the first-ever Test catch. Hill passed away in Lancashire in 1910.
1991: South Africa’s Historic Victory in New Delhi
A historic day unfolded in New Delhi in 1991 as South Africa secured their first victory since their return to international cricket. Chasing India’s total of 287 for 4, South Africa emerged victorious in the third one-dayer, winning by eight wickets with 20 balls to spare.
Kepler Wessels (90), Peter Kirsten (86 not out), and Adrian Kuiper (63 not out) played pivotal roles in the historic win, marking a significant moment for captain Clive Rice.
1976: Birth of Hemang Badani – Adept Middle-Order Batsman
Born on this day in 1976, Hemang Badani made his mark in Indian cricket during a period of transition following the match-fixing scandals of the early 2000s.
Adept at scoring in the V, Badani showcased his skills as a middle-order batsman. One of his highlights was a well-paced hundred against Australia in Pune in 2001-02.
Other Birthdays on 14th November
- 1930: Alan Moss (England)
- 1942: Jackie du Preez (South Africa)
- 1967: Saba Karim (India)
- 1974: Hrishikesh Kanitkar (India)
- 1975: Rupanjali Shastri (India)
- 1977: Brijal Patel (Kenya)
On this day, cricket has witnessed the birth of legends, historic victories, and moments that have shaped the narrative of the sport. Each event adds to the rich tapestry of cricket history, reminding fans of the enduring charm and excitement that the game brings.
