Cricket history is replete with remarkable events and memorable performances, and October 13th stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of the sport. Let’s take a journey through the annals of cricket history to relive some of the most significant moments on this day.
1941 – Birth of the Cricket Rebel, John Snow
Notably, on this day, the legendary John Snow, known for his rhythmic and hostile pace bowling, was born. His autobiography aptly titled “Cricket Rebel” sums up his intriguing cricketing journey. Snow’s career saw him play 49 Tests for England, a number that might have been significantly higher if not for his tendency to ruffle feathers. Despite only going on three England tours, he played pivotal roles in two of them. In 1967-68, during the West Indies tour, Snow claimed 27 wickets in four Tests, famously dismissing Garry Sobers first ball for the second consecutive innings. His iconic performance came in the Ashes series of 1970-71, where he took 31 wickets to help England regain the Ashes. His Test-best of 7 for 40 in Sydney remains etched in cricketing history. Beyond the cricket pitch, John Snow displayed his diverse talents by having two books of poetry published and setting up a travel company after retiring.
1877 – Birth of the Googly Inventor, Bernard Bosanquet
On this day, the man behind the invention of the “googly,” Bernard Bosanquet, was born. He was a mischievous legspinner who perfected this deceptive delivery while experimenting on a billiards table. His first googly bowled in Australia famously removed the middle stump of the renowned Victor Trumper in 1903-04. Despite playing in just seven Tests, Bosanquet’s impact was profound, boasting one of the best strike rates among bowlers with 25 wickets or more, with 38.80 balls per wicket. His innovative bowling style and cricketing genius continue to be celebrated.
1964 – Birth of Fanie de Villiers
Fanie de Villiers, the genial swing bowler, was born on this day. Fanie’s remarkable journey in international cricket began at the age of 29 in Melbourne during the 1993-94 season. He was instrumental in South Africa’s victory in his second Test, with a ten-wicket haul in a thrilling match in Sydney. De Villiers also exhibited his batting prowess, notably scoring 66 while batting at No. 10 in a high-pressure match against Pakistan in 1994-95. His name remains etched in history as the bowler who provoked Devon Malcolm’s famous “You guys are history” outburst at The Oval in 1994.
1987 – Viv Richards’ Dominating ODI Performance
A masterclass by the legendary Viv Richards took place on this day when he brutally dismantled the Sri Lankan attack during a World Cup match in Karachi. Richards’ explosive innings of 181 from 125 balls, with his last 81 runs coming off just 27 deliveries, propelled West Indies to a formidable total of 360 for 4. At the time, it was the highest One Day International (ODI) total ever. Sri Lanka, daunted by the task, chose not to chase the target and instead suffered a 191-run defeat, with only four wickets down. Richards’ extraordinary knock left an indelible mark on the history of ODI cricket.
1987 – England’s Collapse in ODI Cricket
On this day in 1987, England witnessed a familiar collapse in one-day international cricket. In a World Cup game against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, England needed 34 runs off four overs with six wickets in hand to secure victory. However, a catastrophic batting collapse saw all six wickets fall for just 15 runs in 16 balls. Their inability to handle the legspin of Abdul Qadir and the ensuing panic led to their downfall. The match ended in disappointment for England, highlighting their recurring struggle with pressure situations.
1999 – Curtly Ambrose’s Spectacular Bowling Performance
In Sharjah, the iconic Curtly Ambrose delivered one of the most economical ten-over spells in one-day international history. Ambrose’s remarkable figures of 10-5-5-1 showcased his bowling prowess. However, it wasn’t a smooth sailing victory for West Indies, as they found themselves at 115 for 6 while chasing 179. A composed unbeaten 74 by Jimmy Adams secured a hard-fought win for the West Indies.
1976 – Birth of the Legendary Javed Miandad
On this day, Javed Miandad, one of the cricketing legends, made his debut in Test cricket for Pakistan. Miandad’s illustrious career began with a notable appearance in Lahore against New Zealand. His impressive career statistics, including an average that never dropped below 50, earned him a special place in cricket history. Miandad played a crucial role in Pakistan’s success and will always be remembered as one of the greats of the sport.
2000 – Birth of New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr
Amelia Kerr, the prodigious New Zealand legspin allrounder, was born on this day. Her remarkable achievements include becoming the youngest cricketer, male or female, to score a double-century in ODIs, a record she established at the age of 17 when she scored an unbeaten 233 against Ireland in 2018. Additionally, she claimed her first ODI five-for in the same match. Kerr’s remarkable talents and dedication marked her as a rising star in New Zealand cricket, and her career continued to soar.
