New Year’s Day turned into a nightmare for West Indies bowlers in Queenstown, as New Zealand’s Corey Anderson rewrote history with a jaw-dropping century off just 36 balls — smashing a 17-year-old record once held by Shahid Afridi.

New Year’s Day turned into a nightmare for West Indies bowlers in Queenstown, as New Zealand’s Corey Anderson rewrote history with a jaw-dropping century off just 36 balls — smashing a 17-year-old record once held by Shahid Afridi.

W.G. Grace—affectionately known as “The Doctor,” “The Champion,” or simply “WG”—was a true pioneer of cricket. Born on this day, he was a magnificent allrounder: a flamboyant batsman, a shrewd slow-medium bowler with a round-arm action, and the proud owner of the most iconic beard in sporting history.

A fiery young Fred Trueman continued his dream start to Test cricket, adding to the 15 wickets he’d already taken in his first two matches. At Old Trafford, he tore through India with figures of 8 for 31, skittling them for just 58.

A knock that changed the course of women’s cricket in India. Harmanpreet Kaur lit up Derby with a sensational 171* off just 115 balls in the World Cup semi-final against defending champions Australia. The innings came in a rain-reduced 42-over match

One of the most iconic comebacks in Test history reached its climax at Headingley. A day after Ian Botham’s unbeaten 145 had reignited hope, it was Bob Willis’ turn to write his name into folklore.

When Muttiah Muralidaran announced that he’d retire after the first Test against India in Galle, he was sitting on 792 wickets. Rain wiped out Day 2, but by Day 3 he had moved to 793, removing none other than Sachin Tendulkar. Then

Born today, England’s Graham Gooch had a rocky start in Test cricket, famously getting a pair on debut against Australia in 1975. But he went on to become one of England’s finest, amassing 8,900 Test runs.

When Muttiah Muralidaran announced his retirement before the first Test against India in Galle, he was sitting on 792 Test wickets. After rain washed out Day 2, he dismissed Sachin Tendulkar on Day 3 to reach 793. On Day 4, he grabbed five more as India collapsed, and on the final day—with India following on and VVS Laxman trying to salvage a draw—Murali was still two wickets away from 800.

The 2000th Test match in history. The 100th between England and India. Duncan Fletcher’s 100th as coach. And all eyes were on Sachin Tendulkar, chasing his 100th international hundred — at Lord’s, no less. But the weight of all these milestones hung heavy over the match.

At Trent Bridge, Mike Atherton and Allan Donald went head-to-head in one of the most intense duels Test cricket had seen in decades. Donald unleashed a furious spell from around the wicket and should’ve had Atherton caught behind on 27—but the appeal was turned down.

Born on this day, Allan Border would go on to become one of Australia’s greatest cricketers and captains. Thrown into the mix during the chaos of World Series Cricket in 1978, Border quickly became the backbone of Australia’s batting.

One of the game’s greatest, Garry Sobers was born on this day. At just 21, he announced himself to the world by smashing 365* against Pakistan in Kingston in 1958—his first Test hundred, and one that stood as the highest individual Test score for 36 years.

Mahela Jayawardene (374) and Kumar Sangakkara (287) rewrote the record books with a colossal 624-run stand against South Africa in Colombo—still the highest partnership in Test cricket. They batted nearly three days, blunting the Proteas completely.

From club cricket in 2002 to international stardom in 2003, James Anderson’s ascent was nothing short of spectacular. He took five wickets on Test debut at Lord’s and eventually became the heartbeat of England’s bowling attack.

One of the most astonishing feats in cricket history happened today. Jim Laker claimed 19 wickets in a single Test match—still a record. After taking 9 for 37 in Australia’s first innings, he followed it up with all 10 in the second, finishing with 10 for 53.