March 13 down the years
A heist in Christchurch
A slide, a direct-hit, a last-ball thriller
Kane Williamson slides to a win off the final ball • AFP/Getty Images
2023
In Christchurch, New Zealand were eight wickets down with eight runs to get off the final over, with only Kane Williamson standing between Sri Lanka and a WTC final spot. The two teams were neck and neck for most of the Test, which featured a three-wicket haul by Asitha Fernando in the final hour that almost dragged Sri Lanka over the line, and an extraordinary Williamson hundred. With three balls to go and five runs needed, Williamson slashed a four, then set off for a run on the final ball, a bye, racing Asitha's throw to the non-striker's stumps and making it by a hair's breadth to seal victory. It was their second close finish in as many Tests, after the one-run thriller against England at the same venue two weeks before.
In Christchurch, New Zealand were eight wickets down with eight runs to get off the final over, with only Kane Williamson standing between Sri Lanka and a WTC final spot. The two teams were neck and neck for most of the Test, which featured a three-wicket haul by Asitha Fernando in the final hour that almost dragged Sri Lanka over the line, and an extraordinary Williamson hundred. With three balls to go and five runs needed, Williamson slashed a four, then set off for a run on the final ball, a bye, racing Asitha's throw to the non-striker's stumps and making it by a hair's breadth to seal victory. It was their second close finish in as many Tests, after the one-run thriller against England at the same venue two weeks before.
1996
A historic World Cup semi-final in Calcutta - which contained the good, the bad and the ugly. The good was Sri Lanka getting through to the final for the first time; the bad was that they did so by default; and the ugly was the riot that forced Clive Lloyd, the match referee, to abandon the game. When India crumbled to 120 for 8 - chasing 252 - the crowd set fire to areas of the stands and started to pelt the fielders with fruit and water bottles. But there's no doubt Sri Lanka deserved their place after another polished performance; the top three of Sanath Jayasuriya (1), Romesh Kaluwitharana (0) and Asanka Gurusinha (1) all failed, and astonishingly both openers were out caught at third man... in the first over. Aravinda de Silva played a breathtaking innings, stroking 66 off 47 balls with 14 fours, a warm-up for the match-winning century he would make in the final four days later.
A historic World Cup semi-final in Calcutta - which contained the good, the bad and the ugly. The good was Sri Lanka getting through to the final for the first time; the bad was that they did so by default; and the ugly was the riot that forced Clive Lloyd, the match referee, to abandon the game. When India crumbled to 120 for 8 - chasing 252 - the crowd set fire to areas of the stands and started to pelt the fielders with fruit and water bottles. But there's no doubt Sri Lanka deserved their place after another polished performance; the top three of Sanath Jayasuriya (1), Romesh Kaluwitharana (0) and Asanka Gurusinha (1) all failed, and astonishingly both openers were out caught at third man... in the first over. Aravinda de Silva played a breathtaking innings, stroking 66 off 47 balls with 14 fours, a warm-up for the match-winning century he would make in the final four days later.
1986
A New Zealand left-arm seamer is born... in South Africa. Neil Wagner learnt his cricket at Afrikaans High School for Boys in Pretoria and made his first-class debut in 2005-06 for Northerns. But he tasted regular domestic success when he moved to New Zealand a few years later, and was the leading wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield in 2010-11 and 2011-12. He was rewarded with a Test debut against West Indies in 2012, and went on to take 50 wickets in his first 14 Tests. Toiling hard, running in over after relentless over for his side, Wagner, in 2016, became the second-fastest New Zealand bowler to get to 100 Test wickets.
A New Zealand left-arm seamer is born... in South Africa. Neil Wagner learnt his cricket at Afrikaans High School for Boys in Pretoria and made his first-class debut in 2005-06 for Northerns. But he tasted regular domestic success when he moved to New Zealand a few years later, and was the leading wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield in 2010-11 and 2011-12. He was rewarded with a Test debut against West Indies in 2012, and went on to take 50 wickets in his first 14 Tests. Toiling hard, running in over after relentless over for his side, Wagner, in 2016, became the second-fastest New Zealand bowler to get to 100 Test wickets.
1998
Catharsis for Mark Ramprakash, who finally made his first Test hundred, in Bridgetown today. It came in his 24th Test, almost seven years after his debut, and it was a lovely innings. England were in trouble at 53 for 4, but Ramprakash and Graham Thorpe - who made a workmanlike 103 - saw them to 403. From there they dominated, despite a couple of bludgeoning assaults from the recalled Philo Wallace, but rain allowed only 18 overs on the last day and the match was drawn.
Catharsis for Mark Ramprakash, who finally made his first Test hundred, in Bridgetown today. It came in his 24th Test, almost seven years after his debut, and it was a lovely innings. England were in trouble at 53 for 4, but Ramprakash and Graham Thorpe - who made a workmanlike 103 - saw them to 403. From there they dominated, despite a couple of bludgeoning assaults from the recalled Philo Wallace, but rain allowed only 18 overs on the last day and the match was drawn.
1950
A West Indian allrounder is born. Trinidad's Bernard Julien had a bit of everything: flashing strokeplay; brilliant fielding; lively left-arm seamers from a strange, stiff-legged run; orthodox or unorthodox left-arm spin; and the ability to charm fans (particularly female ones). He could play, but his career at the top was fitful, with only two centuries and one five-for in 24 Tests. His first hundred was a violent affair, at Lord's in 1973, when he added 231 for the seventh wicket with another handy allrounder, Garry Sobers. England were pummelled by an innings and 226 runs. Julien also played in the World Cup final of 1975, and represented Kent between 1970 and 1977.
A West Indian allrounder is born. Trinidad's Bernard Julien had a bit of everything: flashing strokeplay; brilliant fielding; lively left-arm seamers from a strange, stiff-legged run; orthodox or unorthodox left-arm spin; and the ability to charm fans (particularly female ones). He could play, but his career at the top was fitful, with only two centuries and one five-for in 24 Tests. His first hundred was a violent affair, at Lord's in 1973, when he added 231 for the seventh wicket with another handy allrounder, Garry Sobers. England were pummelled by an innings and 226 runs. Julien also played in the World Cup final of 1975, and represented Kent between 1970 and 1977.
2004
Even neutrals were breathless when the first ODI in Karachi on India's first tour to Pakistan for 15 years genuinely lived up to the hype. India actually slowed down at one stage in their innings but still monstered their way to 349. When Pakistan were 34 for 2 in the eighth over, the match looked settled. But Inzamam-ul-Haq (122) and Yousuf Youhana (73) led the fightback at nine an over. Moin Khan was caught off the last ball trying to hit the six Pakistan needed to win. In the final analysis, Pakistan's 20 no-balls to India's two cost them the game.
Even neutrals were breathless when the first ODI in Karachi on India's first tour to Pakistan for 15 years genuinely lived up to the hype. India actually slowed down at one stage in their innings but still monstered their way to 349. When Pakistan were 34 for 2 in the eighth over, the match looked settled. But Inzamam-ul-Haq (122) and Yousuf Youhana (73) led the fightback at nine an over. Moin Khan was caught off the last ball trying to hit the six Pakistan needed to win. In the final analysis, Pakistan's 20 no-balls to India's two cost them the game.
2019
Australia bounced back from 0-2 to win the five-match ODI series in India with a 35-run victory in the final match, in Delhi. Usman Khawaja's second hundred of the series - the first came in a win in Ranchi - set up a total of 272, which was ably defended by the bowlers, in particular legspinner Adam Zampa, who took 3 for 46.
Australia bounced back from 0-2 to win the five-match ODI series in India with a 35-run victory in the final match, in Delhi. Usman Khawaja's second hundred of the series - the first came in a win in Ranchi - set up a total of 272, which was ably defended by the bowlers, in particular legspinner Adam Zampa, who took 3 for 46.
2020
As the Covid-19 pandemic situation worsened, the first of three ODIs between Australia and New Zealand was played at an empty SCG after spectators were barred to prevent the risk of exposure. Bizarre scenes unfolded as the players were interviewed by Spidercam at the toss, and elbow- and fist-bumps replaced handshakes and high fives as everyone tried to keep contact to a minimum. Australia beat New Zealand soundly, by 71 runs, and New Zealand had no chance for a comeback after the rest of the tour was called off.
As the Covid-19 pandemic situation worsened, the first of three ODIs between Australia and New Zealand was played at an empty SCG after spectators were barred to prevent the risk of exposure. Bizarre scenes unfolded as the players were interviewed by Spidercam at the toss, and elbow- and fist-bumps replaced handshakes and high fives as everyone tried to keep contact to a minimum. Australia beat New Zealand soundly, by 71 runs, and New Zealand had no chance for a comeback after the rest of the tour was called off.
1859
The eighth Earl of Darnley was born. The Honourable Ivo Francis Walter Bligh also happened to be a useful cricketer, who played four Tests for England, all in 1882-83, when he captained them to an Ashes victory. That was immediately after the famous 1882 series, in which England's defeat sparked the Ashes legend: a famous notice in the Sporting Times mourned the death of English cricket and said its body was to be cremated. Bligh eventually married one of the women who created the Ashes urn, and on his death in 1927, the urn was bequeathed to MCC.
The eighth Earl of Darnley was born. The Honourable Ivo Francis Walter Bligh also happened to be a useful cricketer, who played four Tests for England, all in 1882-83, when he captained them to an Ashes victory. That was immediately after the famous 1882 series, in which England's defeat sparked the Ashes legend: a famous notice in the Sporting Times mourned the death of English cricket and said its body was to be cremated. Bligh eventually married one of the women who created the Ashes urn, and on his death in 1927, the urn was bequeathed to MCC.
1977
England were bowled out for 95 in 34.3 eight-ball overs on the second day of the Centenary Test, in Melbourne, Dennis Lillee taking 6 for 26. When Australia, who had been bowled out for 138 on the first day, batted again, they did far better, and debutant David Hookes stole the headlines, cracking five fours off one over from Tony Greig on his way to 56.
England were bowled out for 95 in 34.3 eight-ball overs on the second day of the Centenary Test, in Melbourne, Dennis Lillee taking 6 for 26. When Australia, who had been bowled out for 138 on the first day, batted again, they did far better, and debutant David Hookes stole the headlines, cracking five fours off one over from Tony Greig on his way to 56.
2020
Saurashtra's first Ranji trophy win since the team entered India's domestic competition in 1950-51 came at a time when half the side was ravaged by illness. Playing against Bengal on a slow pitch in Rajkot, they made 425 in their first innings on the back of a gritty hundred by Arpit Vasavada and half-centuries by Avi Barot, Vishvaraj Jadeja and Cheteshwar Pujara - who retired ill on the first day after only 30 minutes at the crease and returned on the second to make 66 off 237 balls. Saurashtra restricted Bengal to 381, then dragged the dreary final to a draw, winning on the basis of their first innings lead. Bengal finished as runners-up for the 12th time in their Ranji history.
Saurashtra's first Ranji trophy win since the team entered India's domestic competition in 1950-51 came at a time when half the side was ravaged by illness. Playing against Bengal on a slow pitch in Rajkot, they made 425 in their first innings on the back of a gritty hundred by Arpit Vasavada and half-centuries by Avi Barot, Vishvaraj Jadeja and Cheteshwar Pujara - who retired ill on the first day after only 30 minutes at the crease and returned on the second to make 66 off 237 balls. Saurashtra restricted Bengal to 381, then dragged the dreary final to a draw, winning on the basis of their first innings lead. Bengal finished as runners-up for the 12th time in their Ranji history.
1974
Glenn Turner became the first New Zealander to score two hundreds in a Test, and in the process set the team up for their first victory over Australia, in Christchurch. Turner was still there at the end, having anchored the chase of 228 with an unbeaten 115. In a low-scoring game, it was a remarkable effort - only one other New Zealander passed 26 in the match. This was only the sixth Test between the sides; Australia had shunned their neighbours after thumping them in two days in 1945-46.
Glenn Turner became the first New Zealander to score two hundreds in a Test, and in the process set the team up for their first victory over Australia, in Christchurch. Turner was still there at the end, having anchored the chase of 228 with an unbeaten 115. In a low-scoring game, it was a remarkable effort - only one other New Zealander passed 26 in the match. This was only the sixth Test between the sides; Australia had shunned their neighbours after thumping them in two days in 1945-46.
2020
England's tour match against a Sri Lanka Board President's XI was called off midway through the second day, just a few minutes after the ECB called off the Test series to follow, due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The ECB announced that the Test series had been "postponed indefinitely", and the England players returned home the next morning.
England's tour match against a Sri Lanka Board President's XI was called off midway through the second day, just a few minutes after the ECB called off the Test series to follow, due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The ECB announced that the Test series had been "postponed indefinitely", and the England players returned home the next morning.
1904
West Indies' first double-centurion is born. Opener Clifford Roach played in their first 16 Tests, and cracked a blistering five-hour 209 against England in Georgetown in 1929-30 to set them up for their first win. It was an odd series for Roach: in the previous match he had bagged a pair, and in the game before that, he had made his first Test century. At his best he was a glittering stroke-maker, second only to George Headley as West Indies' premier batter. He died in his native Trinidad in 1988.
West Indies' first double-centurion is born. Opener Clifford Roach played in their first 16 Tests, and cracked a blistering five-hour 209 against England in Georgetown in 1929-30 to set them up for their first win. It was an odd series for Roach: in the previous match he had bagged a pair, and in the game before that, he had made his first Test century. At his best he was a glittering stroke-maker, second only to George Headley as West Indies' premier batter. He died in his native Trinidad in 1988.
1956
Another fine day for New Zealand. Today they routed West Indies for 77 in Auckland, winning by 190 runs, their first Test victory after 45 Tests and 26 years of trying. It was sealed when Sammy Guillen - who had played five Tests for West Indies earlier in his career - stumped Alf Valentine off Harry Cave.
Another fine day for New Zealand. Today they routed West Indies for 77 in Auckland, winning by 190 runs, their first Test victory after 45 Tests and 26 years of trying. It was sealed when Sammy Guillen - who had played five Tests for West Indies earlier in his career - stumped Alf Valentine off Harry Cave.
1959
Birth of the bespectacled Australian Dirk Wellham, perhaps the only man to make a hundred on Test debut and cost his side victory in the process. That was at The Oval in 1981, when Wellham's nervous passage to three figures delayed Australia's declaration and ultimately allowed England to get off with a draw. Wellham, who was also the first person to captain three different Sheffield Shield states - New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland - played five more Tests spread over five years, but never scored more than 36.
Birth of the bespectacled Australian Dirk Wellham, perhaps the only man to make a hundred on Test debut and cost his side victory in the process. That was at The Oval in 1981, when Wellham's nervous passage to three figures delayed Australia's declaration and ultimately allowed England to get off with a draw. Wellham, who was also the first person to captain three different Sheffield Shield states - New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland - played five more Tests spread over five years, but never scored more than 36.
1993
A second consecutive double-century for Vinod Kambli, against Zimbabwe in Delhi, took his average to a formidable 136 after four Tests. For good measure, he bashed two more centuries in his next three innings, and it's an amazing statistic that - despite a Test average of 54 - he played his last Test at the age of 23, in 1995-96. As for the match, Zimbabwe's first overseas, India won by an innings, but Andy Flower made 115 and 62 not out to start his love affair with Indian grounds.
A second consecutive double-century for Vinod Kambli, against Zimbabwe in Delhi, took his average to a formidable 136 after four Tests. For good measure, he bashed two more centuries in his next three innings, and it's an amazing statistic that - despite a Test average of 54 - he played his last Test at the age of 23, in 1995-96. As for the match, Zimbabwe's first overseas, India won by an innings, but Andy Flower made 115 and 62 not out to start his love affair with Indian grounds.
1981
In Barbados, where he was born, Roland Butcher became the first black player to play for England. He made 17 (off 82 balls) and 2 (off 27), as England were thumped by 298 runs. Butcher played three Tests, all on this tour, with a top score of 32.
In Barbados, where he was born, Roland Butcher became the first black player to play for England. He made 17 (off 82 balls) and 2 (off 27), as England were thumped by 298 runs. Butcher played three Tests, all on this tour, with a top score of 32.
1985
Denesh Ramdin, born today, was picked in the national squad for the tour to Sri Lanka in 2005, having played 13 first-class matches. He impressed with his glovework and the bat on the tour to Australia later that year, and in 2006 he nearly saved the series against India in Kingston. But he was inconsistent with the bat and managed to keep his place in the side mainly because there was no one better. Ramdin finally hit his maiden Test century - 166 against England in Barbados - in March 2009. On the tour to England in 2012, he struck a fine undefeated 107 in the third Test, an innings most notable for him flashing a note addressed to Viv Richards, who had earlier criticised Ramdin's lack of contribution on the tour. He captained West Indies in 13 Tests between 2014 and 2015, winning four, all at home, and was also part of the World T20-winning sides in 2012 and 2016, but was dropped from all formats later in 2016.
Denesh Ramdin, born today, was picked in the national squad for the tour to Sri Lanka in 2005, having played 13 first-class matches. He impressed with his glovework and the bat on the tour to Australia later that year, and in 2006 he nearly saved the series against India in Kingston. But he was inconsistent with the bat and managed to keep his place in the side mainly because there was no one better. Ramdin finally hit his maiden Test century - 166 against England in Barbados - in March 2009. On the tour to England in 2012, he struck a fine undefeated 107 in the third Test, an innings most notable for him flashing a note addressed to Viv Richards, who had earlier criticised Ramdin's lack of contribution on the tour. He captained West Indies in 13 Tests between 2014 and 2015, winning four, all at home, and was also part of the World T20-winning sides in 2012 and 2016, but was dropped from all formats later in 2016.
1985
The birth of Adnan Akmal, one of three brothers to play and keep wicket for Pakistan. He replaced older brother Kamran in the Test side when making his debut in October 2010. In his fourth Test, against New Zealand in Wellington in January 2011, he took eight catches, but was then surprisingly dropped from the Test side without explanation. He returned later that year, and got a longer run as specialist wicketkeeper. He twice fractured a finger during Tests against Sri Lanka, in 2012 and 2013, and couldn't regain his place when his replacement, Sarfraz Ahmed, started making big scores.
The birth of Adnan Akmal, one of three brothers to play and keep wicket for Pakistan. He replaced older brother Kamran in the Test side when making his debut in October 2010. In his fourth Test, against New Zealand in Wellington in January 2011, he took eight catches, but was then surprisingly dropped from the Test side without explanation. He returned later that year, and got a longer run as specialist wicketkeeper. He twice fractured a finger during Tests against Sri Lanka, in 2012 and 2013, and couldn't regain his place when his replacement, Sarfraz Ahmed, started making big scores.
Other birthdays
1921 Cyril Poole (England)
1922 Brun Smith (New Zealand)
1971 Robert Samuels (West Indies)
1974 James Brinkley (Scotland)
1989 Tom Westley (England)
1994 Mohammed Siraj (India)
1921 Cyril Poole (England)
1922 Brun Smith (New Zealand)
1971 Robert Samuels (West Indies)
1974 James Brinkley (Scotland)
1989 Tom Westley (England)
1994 Mohammed Siraj (India)