Fred Trueman sent India crashing to 58

1952

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. Making his debut, Tony Lock made an immediate impact with a sharp catch at short leg to dismiss Vinoo Mankad—his first touch in Test cricket. Lock then grabbed 4 for 36 as India were bowled out for 82 in the second innings. A staggering 22 wickets fell on the day.

1955

The first Anglo-Indian to represent India, Roger Binny was born on this day. While his early career was modest, it blossomed during the 1983 World Cup. His swing bowling was crucial—particularly in the win against Australia in Chelmsford and the final against West Indies. He later played a key role in India's Test series win in England in 1986, including a 5-for at Headingley.

1979

Sri Lankan pacer Dilhara Fernando, born today, showed early promise with pace and a deceptive slower ball. He famously took 6 for 27 to destroy England in an ODI in 2007. However, persistent injuries, including two stress fractures in 2004, limited his international appearances. He made a brief comeback in 2016 but played just one more T20I.

1982

England sealed a 2–0 ODI series win over Pakistan at Old Trafford with a 73-run victory. Mike Gatting scored 76, while Ian Botham launched four sixes off Iqbal Qasim.

1993

Ian Botham played his final first-class match on this day. Fittingly, it was against the touring Australians. Though he made 32 runs and went wicketless, Beefy stole the show by keeping wicket—without gloves or pads—for the final over.

1993

While Botham was bowing out, Glen Chapple smashed a century in just 21 minutes and 27 balls—the fastest in first-class history. Unfortunately, it's not officially recognized, as it came against joke bowling from Tony Cottey and Matthew Maynard, who conceded over 230 runs between them in 12 overs.

2003

The T20 format made its domestic debut in England, initially seen as a gimmick complete with face-painting and pop acts like Atomic Kitten. But on Finals Day at Trent Bridge, cricket stole the spotlight. Surrey, led by Adam Hollioake, swept aside Gloucestershire and Warwickshire to lift the inaugural trophy. The format's popularity skyrocketed—changing the game forever.

2015

Australia bounced back from defeat in Cardiff with their third-biggest Ashes win by runs. At Lord's, they posted 566 for 8, with Steven Smith scoring a double century and Chris Rogers narrowly missing out on one. Their bowlers then crushed England, reducing them to 30 for 4 and eventually bundling them out for 103 in the second innings.

1876

John Gunn, a hardworking allrounder for England, was born on this day. He played six Tests—all against Australia—and took 5 for 76 in Adelaide in 1901–02. His uncle William and brother George also played Test cricket.

1877

Fast bowler Arthur Fielder, who played six Tests for England against Australia, was born today. His standout performance was a 6 for 82 effort in Sydney during the 1907–08 series. In 1906, he became the only bowler to take all 10 wickets in an innings for the Players against the Gentlemen at Lord's.

1899

It wasn't until 2001 that Ashes cricket returned on July 19. Before that, you'd have to go back to 1899 at Old Trafford for a draw-filled day in which Tom Hayward scored 130, and Monty Noble became the only player to hit two Test fifties on the same day.

1920

Born today, Robert Christiani was an underrated batter for the West Indies. Overshadowed by the legendary Three Ws, he still carved his name in history—scoring 107 at No. 8 against India in Delhi. He was also a versatile sportsman, representing British Guiana in hockey and football.

Last updated on: July 18, 2025