On this day in cricket history, various significant events unfolded, marking the birthdays of cricketing legends, memorable matches, and remarkable feats. Let’s delve into these cricketing milestones that have left a lasting impact on the sport.
1977 – Happy Birthday, Kumar Sangakkara!
An elegant left-hander, Kumar Sangakkara was born on this day. A wicketkeeper-batter, Sangakkara, along with Mahela Jayawardene, was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting.
He added a world record 624 runs for the third wicket with Jayawardene in July 2006. Sangakkara was a smart thinker and gave up keeping in Tests in mid-2006 but continued in limited-overs.
He captained Sri Lanka, leading them to historic victories, but his farewell Test series in 2015 didn’t go as planned. Over his career, he accumulated over 12,000 Test runs, 38 centuries, and 11 double-centuries.
1986 – David Warner’s Unique Debut
David Warner, an explosive opener, was born on this day. Warner made his Australia debut in T20Is in 2009, without having played first-class cricket.
He waited nearly three years to make his Test debut, scoring an unbeaten century in his second Test.
He was prolific between 2014 and 2015, scoring seven hundreds in nine Tests and impressing in the World Cup with a record partnership with Steven Smith.
Warner had his ups and downs, including a suspension for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in 2018.
1964 – Mark “Tubby” Taylor’s Birth
Mark “Tubby” Taylor, a successful Australian captain, was born on this day. Taylor, a quality performer, regained the Frank Worrell Trophy and was known for his nose for a hunch and aversion to stalemates.
He made Test cricket more watchable and left a lasting impact on Australian cricket.
2000 – Muralidaran’s Spectacular Bowling
Muthiah Muralidaran took India apart with 7 for 30, the best bowling in ODIs at the time. Sri Lanka defeated India in a dress rehearsal for the Champions Trophy final in Sharjah. Murali’s exceptional bowling performance played a crucial role in this memorable match.
1954 – The Ultimate Stonewaller: Chris Tavaré
Chris Tavaré, known for his stonewalling technique, was born on this day. His calm and scholarly demeanor made him unpopular in Australia. Tavaré is remembered for his “boring” batting style. However, he had his moments, including a crucial 89 in the first Test of the 1982-83 tour in Perth.
1997 – South Africa’s Sensational Victory
South Africa pulled off a sensational victory against Pakistan in Faisalabad to take the series 1-0. The match was remarkable, with Shaun Pollock taking four top-order wickets in seven deliveries. Pakistan was bowled out for just 92, leading to a 53-run defeat.
1984 – Bob Simpson’s Mighty Score
At the Gabba in Brisbane, Bob Simpson scored a remarkable 359 for New South Wales against Queensland. It was the highest post-war score in Australia at the time, and it was a significant achievement for Simpson.
1877 – The Birth of the Northampton Nugget
George Thompson, known as the Northampton Nugget, was born on this day. He played a crucial role in establishing Northamptonshire’s first-class status in 1905 and was a strong performer both with the bat and ball.
2013 – A Tragic Day for Cricket
A tragic incident occurred in the Eastern Cape, where former first-class cricketer Darryn Randall was killed during a cricket match. Randall was struck on the side of the head while attempting a pull shot, even though he was wearing a helmet. He represented Border as a wicketkeeper-batter and established himself as a cricket coach.
Other Birthdays on October 27:
- 1917: Jack Plimsoll (South Africa)
- 1928: Datta Gaekwad (India)
- 1963: Mark Johnson (USA)
These cricket milestones on October 27 remind us of the sport’s rich history, filled with legends, thrilling matches, and unforgettable moments.
