Muthiah Muralidaran

2010 – Murali’s Perfect Farewell

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. With just one wicket left, things looked uncertain. But then, Pragyan Ojha edged one to slip, and the scorecard read: c Jayawardene b Muralitharan—a record 77th time—and Murali finished his Test career with 800 wickets and a dismissal off his final ball, just like Sir Richard Hadlee.

1989 – The Birth of Trent Boult

Born today, Trent Boult would grow up to become one of New Zealand's greatest fast bowlers. He made his Test debut in 2011 against Australia and quickly made headlines with 4 wickets in New Zealand's dramatic 7-run win in Hobart. In 2015, he was the joint-highest wicket-taker at the World Cup (22 wickets), and in 2019, he became the first Kiwi to claim an ODI World Cup hat-trick. Boult also played a key role in Mumbai Indians' 2020 IPL title, bagging 25 wickets.

1995 – Farewell to Harold Larwood

On this day, cricket bid goodbye to Harold Larwood, the English fast bowler who terrorised Australian batters in the infamous Bodyline series of 1932-33, taking 33 wickets including Don Bradman four times. Ironically, he passed away in Australia—the very land he once rattled. In his final Test innings, Larwood scored 98, a record for a nightwatchman at the time.

1950 – Frank Worrell’s Masterclass

West Indies legend Frank Worrell played the innings of his life, scoring 261 at Trent Bridge, then the highest Test score at the ground. His effort gave West Indies a 335-run first-innings lead, helping them win by 10 wickets and go 2–1 up in the series. England's fightback faltered as Ramadhin (5/135) and Valentine (3/140) ran through the middle and lower order.

1890 – Barrett Carries His Bat

Jack Barrett became the first opener to carry his bat through a completed Test innings in an Ashes match. His unbeaten 67 at Lord's gave Australia hope, but WG Grace's 75 not out secured a 7-wicket win for England.

1937 – Birth of John Price

Born today, John Price was a strong right-arm pacer known for his long run-up and away swing. Despite constant injuries, he played 242 matches for Middlesex, taking 734 wickets. He was also known for his sharp fielding but forgettable batting at No. 11.

1978 – Remembering Runako Morton

Runako Morton, born this day, had a promising but troubled cricket career. He overcame early controversies and made it to the West Indies ODI team by 2005. His 90 against Australia in the 2006 Champions Trophy was a career highlight. Tragically, Morton passed away in a car crash in 2012 at the age of 33.

1982 – Nuwan Kulasekara Turns 43

Sri Lanka's swing specialist Nuwan Kulasekara was born on this day. He rose to become Sri Lanka's leading ODI bowler in 2008–09 and delivered a match-winning 5/22 against Australia in 2013. Though plagued by injuries, he remained a key part of Sri Lanka's limited-overs setup until his retirement.

1992 – Birthday of George Dockrell

Irish left-arm spinner George Dockrell, born today, made his international debut at just 17 and was named ICC Associate Player of the Year in 2012. He's been a crucial part of Ireland's bowling unit in multiple global tournaments.

1981 – Sulieman Benn Born

Towering at 6'7″, Sulieman Benn is one of the tallest spinners to play for West Indies. Debuting in 2008, Benn played a key role in the team's success in the late 2000s, including an 8-wicket match haul against England and a 4/6 spell in a T20I against Zimbabwe. He returned in 2014 and was named West Indies Player of the Year, but was dropped from central contracts in 2016.

1935 – Tom Cartwright’s Birth

Medium-pacer Tom Cartwright debuted against Australia in 1964 and was known for his accuracy and stamina, bowling marathon spells. He only played five Tests due to selectors preferring quicker bowlers, but left his mark as the man who taught Ian Botham to bowl.

Last updated on: July 23, 2025