An unforgettable victory for England in the first two-day Test in over 50 years. When West Indies began their second innings, they were 100 runs behind. After just 26.2 overs, they were bowled out for 61—their second low score in three Tests. England triumphed by an innings for the first time since 1966. Andy Caddick’s remarkable four wickets in a single over, including three bowled with swinging yorkers, capped off a sensational day.
2014 – Mahela Jayawardene’s Perfect Farewell
Sri Lanka wrapped up their SSC Test against Pakistan early on the fifth day, sweeping the series 2-0. Rangana Herath took a match haul of 14 for 184, while Jayawardene scored 54 in his final innings. The legendary batter ended his Test career with 11,814 runs, 34 centuries, and 50 half-centuries at an average near 50—a fitting farewell for one of cricket’s greats.
1934 – Bill Ponsford Outshines Bradman
Bill Ponsford’s final Test at The Oval was unforgettable. His 266 outscored Don Bradman’s 244, and their 451-run partnership in just five hours set a record that still ranks among the top four in Tests. England lost by 562 runs, conceding the Ashes 2-1.
1920 – Birth of Wicketkeeping Legend Godfrey Evans
Born this day, Godfrey Evans became one of cricket’s most charismatic wicketkeepers. Playing 91 Tests for England, he set world records with 219 dismissals and hit two brilliant hundreds. Known for his iconic mutton-chop whiskers, Evans remained a vivid personality long after retiring.
1956 – Sandeep Patil: The Stylish Batter
India’s Sandeep Patil, born today, played 29 Tests, including brilliant knocks in Adelaide (174) and Old Trafford (129*). His contributions helped India win the 1983 World Cup. Patil later coached India and Kenya and led India’s National Cricket Academy.
1926 – England Regains the Ashes
After early 1920s setbacks, England appointed Percy Chapman captain and recalled Wilfred Rhodes. On the final day at The Oval, Maurice Tate and Harold Larwood made early breakthroughs, then Rhodes took 4 for 44. Australia were bowled out for 125, and England won the series 1-0.
2024 – London Spirit Claim Maiden Hundred Title
London Spirit won their first Hundred title, beating Welsh Fire by four wickets in the women’s final. Despite Shabnim Ismail’s triple strike for Fire, Deepti Sharma’s late six sealed the win with two balls to spare.
Returning from a two-season injury, Saqib Mahmood’s devastating spell of reverse swing (3 for 1 in seven balls) helped Oval Invincibles defeat Southern Brave by 17 runs in the men’s Hundred. Key contributions from Tom Curran and Tom Lammonby set the platform for a thrilling finish.
1967 – Brian Close and the Controversial Delay
Yorkshire captain Brian Close faced boos for deliberately wasting time in a County Championship match at Edgbaston. His tactics led to the introduction of a minimum overs regulation and the loss of his England captaincy.
1983 – Birth of Cameron White
Australia’s Cameron White, born today, developed into a versatile all-rounder. Initially tried as a legspinner, he became a destructive batter and later captained Australia’s T20 side and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
1936 – Gubby Allen’s Memorable Performance
On the last day at The Oval, England captain Gubby Allen took 7 for 80, helping England beat India by nine wickets and secure the three-match series 2-0.