Cricket history is replete with iconic moments and outstanding performances, and November 16th stands out as a day that witnessed the birth of legends, record-breaking feats, and historic matches.
1971 – Birth of the Burewala Bombshell – Waqar Younis:
Known as the “Burewala Bombshell,” Waqar Younis, one half of the iconic Pakistani bowling duo with Wasim Akram, was born on this day. Waqar’s toe-crushing yorkers and mastery of reverse swing made him one of the most formidable bowlers of his era.
His explosive performances, especially in the early 1990s, showcased his ability to dismantle batting line-ups. Waqar’s legacy extended beyond playing; he later captained Pakistan and played a key role in their rise to the No. 1 Test ranking.
1862 – Birth of “The Terror” – Charlie Turner:
Australian seamer Charlie Turner, known as “The Terror,” was born on November 16, 1862. Turner’s formidable bowling, particularly on wet surfaces, made him a feared opponent. With 101 Test wickets at an astonishing average of 16.53, Turner’s rhythmic run and square-on delivery left an indelible mark on Australian cricket.
2013 – Sachin Tendulkar’s Emotional Farewell:
A day etched in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, November 16, 2013, witnessed the emotional farewell of the “Little Master” Sachin Tendulkar. Retiring at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Tendulkar played his last international match against the West Indies.
The match ended with an innings victory for India, but the focus was entirely on Tendulkar, who bid adieu to a 24-year-long glittering international career.
1982 – Chris Tavaré’s Gritty Display in Perth:
In Perth, England’s Chris Tavaré displayed his trademark grit, taking 63 minutes to get off the mark. His resilient batting style resulted in a score of 9 from 82 balls, exemplifying his dogged determination. The match itself, ending in a draw, saw a freak injury to Terry Alderman, who dislocated his shoulder tackling a pitch invader.
1983 – West Indies Victorious in Ahmedabad:
In a landmark Test match in Ahmedabad, West Indies emerged victorious against India by 138 runs. Despite Sunil Gavaskar surpassing Geoff Boycott as the top run-scorer and Kapil Dev’s remarkable 9 for 83, West Indies secured a 2-0 lead in the series. Michael Holding’s devastating spell helped West Indies thrive in all conditions.
1940 – Birth of Chris Balderstone – A Rare Dual-Sport Athlete:
Chris Balderstone, born on this day, played Test cricket and League football, a rare feat in recent decades. Balderstone, a scrapper of a batter and left-arm spinner, faced the formidable West Indies side in his two Tests in 1976. Post-playing career, he became a Test umpire and passed away in 2000.
1827 – James Southerton – The Oldest Test Debutant:
James Southerton, born on November 16, 1827, holds the record as the oldest man to make a Test debut at 49 years and 119 days. He appeared in the first-ever Test match in Melbourne in March 1877 and became the first Test cricketer to pass away, preceding the first Test in England in 1880.
1952 – India Clinches First Series Against Pakistan:
In a historic Test match, India defeated Pakistan by ten wickets to take a 2-1 lead in the first-ever series between the two nations. Left-arm spinner Vinoo Mankad achieved the Test double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in only his 23rd match, a record until 1979.
As cricket enthusiasts celebrate these milestones and birthdays, November 16th continues to resonate as a day rich in cricketing history and significance.
