Graham Gooch scored 8900 Test runs, an England record till he was surpassed by Alastair Cook

1953 – The Rise of Graham Gooch

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. Among many highlights, his 154* against the West Indies at Headingley in 1991 remains iconic — even more so than his monumental 333 at Lord's.

1994 – Mike Atherton’s Dirt in the Pocket Saga

During a heavy loss to South Africa at Lord's, England captain Mike Atherton sparked controversy after being caught with dirt in his pocket, used to aid reverse swing. Though not illegal to carry, applying it to the ball violated Law 42.5. He admitted lying to match referee Peter Burge and was fined £2,000 by Ray Illingworth. England, meanwhile, were bowled out for just 99 and lost by 356 runs.

2008 – DRS Makes Its Test Debut

The Decision Review System (DRS) was trialled in the Sri Lanka vs India Test at SSC. Virender Sehwag became the first batter dismissed via review, while Tillakaratne Dilshan was the first to successfully overturn a decision. Early controversies surrounded both technology and its interpretation.

2017 – England Clinch Women's World Cup at Lord's

In front of a global audience, England edged past India in a thrilling Women's World Cup final. Jhulan Goswami's 3/23 had India on top, but a collapse triggered by Anya Shrubsole's brilliance sealed a 9-run win for the hosts.

1949 – The Lost Test Career of Clive Rice

Born today, Clive Rice was a world-class South African all-rounder whose Test career was lost to apartheid. Though he captained South Africa in their ODI return in 1991, his real legacy lies in domestic cricket, especially his title-winning partnership with Richard Hadlee at Nottinghamshire.

1972 – Floyd Reifer’s Surprising Comeback

West Indian batter Floyd Reifer, born this day, returned to Test cricket a decade after his debut to lead a second-string team during a player strike in 2009. He once hit six sixes in an over in a T20 game in 2008 — the same day Garry Sobers had achieved the feat 40 years prior.

1990 – Yuzvendra Chahal: From Chessboard to Cricket Field

Born today, India's Yuzvendra Chahal was a national-level chess player before turning to cricket. Known for his guile over speed, he has starred in both T20Is and the IPL, becoming India's first to take a T20I five-for. In 2022, he became the tournament's all-time leading wicket-taker.

1998 – Hansie Cronje’s Milestone Test

Hansie Cronje marked his 50th Test with a century at Trent Bridge. His aggressive knock against Ian Salisbury made headlines, but South Africa lost the Test.

1949 – Brian Close’s Record-Breaking Debut

At 18 years and 149 days, Brian Close became the youngest England Test debutant. Remarkably, he also played his final Test at 45 — one of the oldest to do so.

2018 – Herath, the Fourth-Innings Master

Rangana Herath claimed his 12th fourth-innings five-wicket haul to lead Sri Lanka to a 2–0 series win over South Africa at the SSC. Meanwhile, Dale Steyn's wait to break Shaun Pollock's record as South Africa's top Test wicket-taker continued.

1934 – Bradman’s Headingley Triple

Don Bradman scored 304 at Headingley — his second Test triple-century. His score alone surpassed England's entire first innings. The match was drawn, but Bradman's dominance was clear.

1938 – Bradman Does It Again

Bradman scored 103 at Headingley on a more difficult pitch, and Australia won by five wickets. Bill O'Reilly took 10 wickets in the match.

2022 – Sam Northeast's 410*

Sam Northeast smashed 410 not out for Glamorgan — the ninth-highest score in first-class history. Glamorgan piled up 795/5 declared and won by an innings, despite Leicestershire posting 584 in the first innings.

1884 – Lord's Test Wraps Up

On the final day of the first-ever Test at Lord's, George Ulyett took 7/36 to seal an innings win for England over Australia.

1942 – The Sudden End of Andy Ducat

Andy Ducat, a rare dual international in cricket and football, tragically died of a heart attack while batting at Lord's. He had played one Test and scored a winning goal for England against Wales in 1910.

1950 – Alan Turner’s Brief Aussie Career

Born today, Alan Turner played 14 Tests for Australia, scoring one century and 81 against the West Indies. He also played in the 1975 World Cup before retiring to a corporate career.

Last updated on: July 21, 2025