One of cricket’s most influential figures, Frank Worrell, was born on this day. A classy left-handed batter, Worrell became the first Black cricketer to regularly captain the West Indies.

South African skipper Graeme Smith delivered a captain’s knock for the ages at Lord’s, smashing a breathtaking 259 in the second Test against England. After Makhaya Ntini ran through England’s first innings for just 173, Smith led from the front with a brutal double-century that left England reeling.

It was a special day at Old Trafford as both Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart began their 100th Test match—with Atherton doing so at his home ground. Rain shortened play on day one, but Stewart managed a catch behind the stumps. The following day, he made it even more memorable by becoming just the fourth batter

It was a quiet, sun-drenched day at Lord’s during the second Test between England and Australia, with the match heading toward a dull draw. That’s when Michael Angelow, a ship’s cook, decided to liven things up. After spending five hours in the Tavern Stand (and possibly one pint too many), Angelow stripped naked on a bet and sprinted onto the field.

At Headingley, Garry Sobers delivered another masterclass, scoring a century between lunch and tea and setting up a big win for West Indies. In the series, Sobers was simply unstoppable: 722 runs at an average of 103.14, 20 wickets

Born today, Jesse Ryder was one of New Zealand’s most naturally gifted batters—and one of its most controversial. After turning down an A-team tour, he debuted in 2008 and hit the ground running, averaging 49 in his first ODI series and scoring a Test double-ton soon after.

Few matches have gripped cricket fans quite like the Edgbaston Test of 2005. With Australia needing just 107 runs and two wickets in hand on Day 4, Andrew Flintoff’s brilliant all-round efforts seemed in vain.

Kane Williamson, one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever batters, was born on this day. He announced himself in style with a century on Test debut in Ahmedabad in 2010. Two years later, he ground out a match-saving unbeaten 102 against a fierce South African attack, batting for over five hours.

David Gower played his final Test match at The Oval, where he was dismissed for just 1 by Waqar Younis in Pakistan’s ten-wicket victory that sealed the series 2-1. In the previous two Tests, Gower had contributed well with scores of 73 and an unbeaten 31

A heartbreaking day for England as another Ashes dream slipped away at Trent Bridge. Needing to chase a daunting 451 runs in just a day and a half, England boldly went for it but were bowled out for 186, falling short by a long way. The atmosphere was tense from the start, with England even handing Test debuts to both Hollioakes brothers.

A landmark moment in cricket history — Shane Warne became the first bowler to claim 600 Test wickets. And fittingly, it happened at Old Trafford, the same ground where he first made headlines with that legendary “ball of the century” to Mike Gatting in 1993. This time, though, it was Marcus Trescothick who fell — in far less glamorous fashion.

The Oval marked the end of an era as three West Indies legends bowed out of Test cricket. Jeff Dujon signed off with 272 dismissals – still a record for a West Indies wicketkeeper. Malcolm Marshall ended with 376 wickets at an incredible average of 20.94,

Birth of Shoaib Akhtar, one of the fastest bowlers the game has ever seen. Twice unofficially clocked at over 100mph, he drew as much attention for his blistering pace as for his unique action and outspoken nature. At his peak, Shoaib was a terrifying prospect for any batter, but his career was often marred by controversies, injuries, and clashes with authorities.

England hit rock bottom in their home series against Australia, skittled for just 52. But the real drama at The Oval came when Don Bradman, needing only four runs to reach 7000 in Tests and secure a career average of 100, was bowled second ball by Eric Hollies.

At The Oval, Colin Cowdrey’s sharp slip catch off Neil Hawke’s edge made Fred Trueman the first bowler to claim 300 wickets in Test cricket. Trueman had missed the previous match at Old Trafford but came into the day on 297.

One of West Indies’ greatest ever batters, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, was born on this day. He debuted as a teenager in 1994 and went on to become the rock of West Indies’ batting. After slow beginnings, his run tally soared from 2006 onwards, scoring seven centuries and averaging over 73 in three years. He captained briefly, but once he stepped down, he transformed into a run-machine—becoming the second West Indian after Brian Lara to pass 10,000 Test runs. Known for his unorthodox stance and limpet-like resilience, Chanderpaul held the innings together countless times. He was finally dropped in 2015, ending a career of grit, patience, and monumental contributions.

Michael Holding delivered one of the most extraordinary displays of sustained fast bowling, taking 14 wickets in a Test—the only West Indian to do so. On a pace-unfriendly Oval pitch, he twice bowled England captain Tony Greig, who had provocatively claimed the West Indies might “grovel.” Holding, nicknamed Whispering Death, finished with 8 for 92 and 6 for 57, sealing a 3-0 series win.

An unforgettable victory for England in the first two-day Test in over 50 years. When West Indies began their second innings, they were 100 runs behind. After just 26.2 overs, they were bowled out for 61—their second low score in three Tests.

“Is it the Ashes… yes, England have won the Ashes!” exclaimed Brian Johnston as England finally reclaimed the prize after a long wait of 18 years and 362 days. Despite losing the toss in all five Tests, England triumphed under the leadership of professional captain Len Hutton.

Pakistan walked off the field at The Oval after umpire Darrell Hair docked them five runs for alleged ball-tampering and changed the ball. Refusing to continue after tea, Pakistan effectively forfeited the final session.