Muthiah Muralidaran

2010 – Murali’s Fairytale Farewell

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 came Day 4: Murali grabbed five more wickets as India followed on. With one wicket to go, and VVS Laxman doing his best to hold on, hopes were fading. But fittingly, Murali claimed his 800th Test wicket – Pragyan Ojha, caught by Mahela Jayawardene – and ended his career with a wicket off his final ball, just like Richard Hadlee.

1989 – The Birth of Trent Boult

New Zealand's left-arm swing sensation was born today. Boult made his mark early, helping the Kiwis to a memorable seven-run win over Australia in Hobart in 2011. In 2013, he destroyed the West Indies with 10 wickets in a match. He was the joint top wicket-taker (22) at the 2015 World Cup and the first Kiwi to take a hat-trick in a World Cup (2019). In 2020, he played a vital role in Mumbai Indians' IPL title run, taking 25 wickets.

1995 – The Death of Harold Larwood

Larwood passed away in Australia, a country he once terrorised. The fierce English quick took 33 wickets in the infamous 1932-33 Bodyline series, dismissing Don Bradman four times. In his final Test innings, Larwood scored 98 as nightwatchman – a record for England that stood until 1998. His hopes of a century were dashed by a surprising catch from Bert Ironmonger.

1950 – Frank Worrell’s Masterclass

Worrell's magnificent 261 at Trent Bridge helped the West Indies to a huge lead and a 10-wicket win, putting them 2-1 up in the series. England tried to fight back, but spinners Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine triggered a collapse, taking 8 wickets between them. Only Godfrey Evans showed resistance with a gritty 63.

1890 – A Debut to Remember

Australia's Jack Barrett carried his bat on debut at Lord's, scoring 67 not out – the first Ashes opener to do so. Despite his effort, WG Grace's unbeaten 75 led England to a seven-wicket win.

1937 – John Price Is Born

Born today, Price was a fast bowler for Middlesex known for his long run-up and sharp outswingers. Injury issues limited his England career to just five Tests, but he still managed 734 first-class wickets. A great deep fielder, less so with the bat.

1978 – Runako Morton’s Brief Spark

The talented West Indies batter died tragically at just 33. Morton had a rocky career start but made a comeback, even scoring 90 against Australia in the 2006 Champions Trophy. Unfortunately, his form faded soon after.

1982 – Nuwan Kulasekara’s Birthday

Kulasekara emerged from nowhere to become Sri Lanka's premier ODI bowler between 2008 and 2009. Known for seam and reverse swing, his best figures came in 2013 – 5 for 22 against Australia. He retired from red-ball cricket in 2016 to focus on the shorter formats.

1992 – George Dockrell Turns 1 Today

Dockrell debuted for Ireland at just 17 and was named ICC Associate Player of the Year in 2012. He played key roles in Ireland's T20 World Cup campaigns and World Cup qualifiers.

1981 – The Towering Sulieman Benn

At 6'7″, Benn brought bounce and spin to the West Indies attack. After debuting in 2008, he made an impact in Tests and T20s, including 4 for 6 vs Zimbabwe. Despite falling out of favour in 2016, his 28 wickets in five Tests in 2014 earned him West Indies' Player of the Year.

1935 – Tom Cartwright Is Born

Cartwright debuted against Australia in 1964, bowling marathon spells without much reward. Though underused at Test level, his greatest legacy may be mentoring a young Ian Botham.

1859 & 1865 – VE Walker’s Magical July 22

Twice on this day, VE Walker took all ten wickets in an innings – 10 for 74 for England in 1859, and 10 for 104 for Middlesex in 1865. A remarkable double on the same date.

Last updated on: July 21, 2025