Cricket history is filled with remarkable moments and legendary players, and October 18 has its fair share of intriguing events and birthdays. From record-breaking Test debuts to thrilling matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), let’s take a journey through the annals of cricket history on this memorable day.
1968 – A Memorable Test Debut
Narendra Hirwani, a bespectacled leg-spinner, was born on this day. Hirwani etched his name in cricket history with a sensational Test debut in 1987-88 at the age of just 19. Playing against the formidable West Indies in Madras, he spun a web around the opposition, taking an astounding 16 wickets for 136 runs. His second-innings figures of 8 wickets for 75 runs included an incredible Test-record where five batters were stumped by the agile Kiran More.
However, it’s often said that a remarkable debut can be a double-edged sword, and it proved true for Hirwani. After his remarkable start, he encountered challenges in overseas Tests, securing just 21 wickets at an average of 59 in his next nine Test matches. Hirwani’s contributions to Indian cricket extended beyond his playing career; he was appointed to the Indian national selection panel in 2008.
1854 – The Birth of Billy Murdoch
The world of Test cricket witnessed its first double-centurion on this day with the birth of Billy Murdoch in Sandhurst, Australia. Known for his prowess on flat pitches, Murdoch’s career highlights often emerged at The Oval. Notably, his unbeaten 153 in 1880 was a game-changer after managing only 19 runs in his first five innings.
His contributions were instrumental in Australia’s seven-run victory in the memorable match of 1882, which led to the birth of the Ashes. Two years later, he further solidified his legacy with a magnificent 211 on the same ground. Murdoch’s life in cricket ended with a heart attack during the fourth Test between Australia and South Africa in 1911.
1981 – The Birth of Nathan Hauritz
Born on this day, Nathan Hauritz, the Australian off-spinner, began his cricketing journey. He was an unexpected contender for the slow-bowling slot in the 2008-09 season but proved his detractors wrong by claiming nine wickets in three Tests. His international career started with an ODI in 2002 and led to his Test debut on a challenging Mumbai pitch two years later.
While Hauritz displayed his skills, he faced challenges, especially on overseas tours. He experienced highs, including taking ten wickets in three 2009 Ashes Tests, but also faced setbacks on tours to India. As the spotlight shifted to fellow off-spinner Nathan Lyon, Hauritz gradually faded from contention and even lost his Queensland contract in 2014.
1969 – A Turbulent Day in Hyderabad
Cricket history has witnessed some extraordinary events, including the dramatic events in Hyderabad on this day in 1969. During the third and final Test between India and New Zealand, the Hyderabad crowd displayed its disappointment as India struggled to reach 89 runs. The day began on a challenging note when the groundsman admitted to forgetting to mow the wicket.
New Zealand’s captain, Graham Dowling, refused to allow any adjustments to the pitch. On a grassier surface than usual, India slumped from 21 for 1 to 49 for 9 before Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Bishan Bedi added 40 runs for the last wicket. Frustrated by the turn of events, the crowd resorted to stoning the police, lighting bonfires in the stands, and attempting to set fire to thatched roofing. The day’s play concluded 20 minutes early in this unprecedented cricketing episode.
1875 – Birth of Len Braund
Len Braund, a rumbustious all-rounder who represented Surrey and Somerset and played in 23 Tests for England between 1901 and 1908, was born on this day. Known for his powerful leg-side hitting, devious leg-spin, and exceptional slip fielding, Braund left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
His unforgettable catch at Edgbaston in 1902, when England dismissed Australia for 36 runs, remains a part of cricketing folklore. Despite retiring to become an umpire for 16 years, Braund faced adversity in his later years, losing both his legs. He passed away in Fulham in 1955.
1992 – Zimbabwe’s Test Debut
Zimbabwe made its entry into the world of Test cricket with a draw against India in Harare. The match was characterized by extended innings as Zimbabwe batted through 214.2 overs to score 426 in the first innings. India’s response was even slower, managing 307 runs in 169.4 excruciating overs. This Test match featured the remarkable return of John Traicos, who re-entered Test cricket after 22 years and 222 days. At the age of 45, Traicos achieved a memorable feat by dismissing a young Sachin Tendulkar third ball for a duck.
2020 – IPL History in the Making
A historic and thrilling moment unfolded in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on this day. In a match between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and the Mumbai Indians (MI), cricket enthusiasts witnessed an unprecedented occurrence of two Super Overs. With just two runs required off the final ball in their chase of 177, KXIP seemed destined for victory.
However, a remarkable run-out by Chris Jordan, who ran in a giant circle to complete the second run, turned the tables. MI’s Jasprit Bumrah put up a tight performance in the first Super Over, allowing just five runs. KXIP, led by a swaggering Chris Gayle, managed to secure victory in the second Super Over, capping off a captivating IPL match.
1952 – Roy Dias: A Stylish Batsman
Born on this day, Roy Dias was a stylish batsman who averaged a respectable 36.71 in his 20 Tests. While Sri Lanka won only one of the Tests he played, it was a crucial victory – their first. Dias played a significant role in this victory with scores of 95 and 60 not out against India in Colombo.
In the subsequent match in Kandy, he played an unusually reserved innings, scoring 106, leading Sri Lanka to an improbable draw and their first-ever Test series win. Following his playing career, Dias transitioned into coaching, notably leading Nepal’s cricket team for nine years. His efforts were instrumental in Nepal gaining ODI status.
Other Notable Birthdays
- Gladstone Small (1961): An instant success in Australia in 1986-87, Small took 12 wickets in two Tests and retained the Ashes with a crucial catch. His international career was marked by injuries, and he played 17 Tests for England.
- Stuart Law (1968): A talented cricketer, Law made a memorable Test debut in 1995-96. He was a prolific first-class batsman with an average of over 50. Law also had a career in coaching and served as the coach of the West Indies cricket team.
Cricket history is a treasure trove of captivating stories and unforgettable moments, and these events from October 18 serve as a reminder of the rich heritage of the sport.
