Cricket, with its rich history, has witnessed memorable moments, outstanding performances, and milestones on the 17th of November. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit some significant events in cricket history on this day.
1986: Aaron Finch’s Explosive Entry
On this day in 1986, Australian cricket welcomed one of its big-hitting stars, Aaron Finch. Known for his aggressive batting style, Finch etched his name in T20I history with two of the top three scores – a staggering 172 against Zimbabwe in 2018 and a blistering 156 against England in 2013, featuring 14 sixes.
Finch’s limited-overs prowess led to his appointment as T20 captain in 2014, marking a testament to his aggressive approach. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2015 World Cup victory, setting the tone with a big hundred in the opening game against England.
1923: Bert Sutcliffe – A Left-Handed Maestro
Born on this day, Bert Sutcliffe, a legendary left-handed batsman from New Zealand, left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. Although he never experienced Test victory in his 42-match career between 1946 and 1965, Sutcliffe showcased his brilliance with the bat.
His outstanding tour of England in 1949, where he hit four fifties and a maiden Test century, earned him recognition as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1950.
Sutcliffe’s popularity extended beyond his cricketing abilities, and he left an enduring legacy, averaging 68 in India, where he made three unbeaten Test centuries. Sadly, he succumbed to cancer in 2001.
2020: Karachi Kings Clinch Maiden PSL Title
In a historic moment for the Karachi Kings, they secured their maiden Pakistan Super League (PSL) title on this day in 2020. Facing Lahore Qalandars in the final, Karachi Kings triumphed by five wickets in Karachi.
Babar Azam’s stellar batting performance, coupled with disciplined bowling, restricted Lahore Qalandars to 134. Babar Azam’s sixth consecutive 50-plus score ensured a comfortable chase, concluding the tournament that had witnessed a unique scheduling shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1928: Colin McDonald – A Gritty Australian Opener
Colin McDonald, born on this day in 1928, exemplified the gritty Australian spirit during his playing days in the 1950s. An opening batsman, McDonald faced formidable bowlers like Fred Trueman and Wes Hall with little protection.
His adeptness against spin was evident in the famous Test at Old Trafford in 1956 when he top-scored in both innings of the match where Jim Laker took 19 wickets.
McDonald’s consistency on home soil, where he averaged 47, marked him as a reliable batter. His crucial contributions, including consecutive centuries against England in 1958-59, defined his tenacious approach.
2015: High-Scoring Draw at the WACA
Contrary to the WACA’s reputation for producing fast and bouncy tracks, a high-scoring draw unfolded on this day in 2015. The Test match featured two double-hundreds and four other centuries.
Ross Taylor’s monumental 290 set a new record for the highest score by an overseas batter in Australia, adding to the remarkable batting display. Despite Mitchell Johnson’s farewell Test, the match concluded without a decisive result, emphasizing the unusual nature of the contest.
These are just a few glimpses into the cricketing history that unfolded on the 17th of November. From explosive T20 innings to gritty Test performances, this date holds a unique place in the annals of cricket.
