February 1 down the years
The birth of Biff
Graeme Smith is born
Graeme Smith: One of South Africa's finest leaders • Associated Press
1981
Birth of the first player to captain in 100 Tests. The selectors took a rather big gamble when, after a disastrous campaign in the 2003 World Cup, they handed the captaincy to inexperienced 22-year-old Graeme Smith, the youngest to take charge of South Africa. He soon impressed with back-to-back double-centuries on the 2003 tour of England. Defeats came the way of a team in transition, but Smith continued to score big at the top of the order. The thrill of chasing 434 in an ODI against Australia was muted by a 3-0 Test loss to Australia in 2006, and an embarrassing loss in the World Cup semi-final the next year. However, the 2-1 home win against India in 2006-07 kick-started a phenomenal run for the South African Test side under Smith. They conquered Pakistan, Bangladesh (he put on a record opening stand of 415 with Neil McKenzie in Chittagong) and England, and the icing on the cake was a historic series win in Australia late in 2008. More overseas wins piled up under his watch, and in 2012, after beating England 2-0, South Africa became the No. 1 Test side. That year they did not lose a single Test - beating Australia 1-0 too in a memorable away series. Smith retired from international cricket after a series defeat to Australia at home in 2014.
Birth of the first player to captain in 100 Tests. The selectors took a rather big gamble when, after a disastrous campaign in the 2003 World Cup, they handed the captaincy to inexperienced 22-year-old Graeme Smith, the youngest to take charge of South Africa. He soon impressed with back-to-back double-centuries on the 2003 tour of England. Defeats came the way of a team in transition, but Smith continued to score big at the top of the order. The thrill of chasing 434 in an ODI against Australia was muted by a 3-0 Test loss to Australia in 2006, and an embarrassing loss in the World Cup semi-final the next year. However, the 2-1 home win against India in 2006-07 kick-started a phenomenal run for the South African Test side under Smith. They conquered Pakistan, Bangladesh (he put on a record opening stand of 415 with Neil McKenzie in Chittagong) and England, and the icing on the cake was a historic series win in Australia late in 2008. More overseas wins piled up under his watch, and in 2012, after beating England 2-0, South Africa became the No. 1 Test side. That year they did not lose a single Test - beating Australia 1-0 too in a memorable away series. Smith retired from international cricket after a series defeat to Australia at home in 2014.
1981
A one-day final, and the opponents need six off the last ball just to tie. If you were an Australian, you'd back yourself to win, wouldn't you? Greg Chappell didn't. He was so scared of New Zealand's Brian McKechnie (one-day career: 54 runs in 14 matches) that he ordered his bowler - who just happened to be his brother, Trevor - to bowl the last ball underarm. It did the trick and Australia won the match, but they lost a lot of friends. The tactic caused much consternation and was quickly banned. Ian Chappell, brother of Trevor and Greg, was commentating at the time and said: "No Greg, you can't do that."
A one-day final, and the opponents need six off the last ball just to tie. If you were an Australian, you'd back yourself to win, wouldn't you? Greg Chappell didn't. He was so scared of New Zealand's Brian McKechnie (one-day career: 54 runs in 14 matches) that he ordered his bowler - who just happened to be his brother, Trevor - to bowl the last ball underarm. It did the trick and Australia won the match, but they lost a lot of friends. The tactic caused much consternation and was quickly banned. Ian Chappell, brother of Trevor and Greg, was commentating at the time and said: "No Greg, you can't do that."
1961
Another thriller in the 1960-61 Australia-West Indies series. It was 1-1 with two to play going into the fourth Test, in Adelaide, and after back-to-back hundreds from Rohan Kanhai and a hat-trick from Lance Gibbs, Australia had to chase 460, or more realistically, survive 120 (eight-ball) overs. Wickets fell steadily, and the last man Lindsay Kline (first-class average: 8) came to the crease with 100 minutes remaining. At the other end was Ken "Slasher" Mackay - the nickname was ironic - and he was the perfect man for the situation. With nails all over Australia bitten to the quick, the pair somehow survived and Australia lived to fight another day - which they did, winning the last Test to take the series.
Another thriller in the 1960-61 Australia-West Indies series. It was 1-1 with two to play going into the fourth Test, in Adelaide, and after back-to-back hundreds from Rohan Kanhai and a hat-trick from Lance Gibbs, Australia had to chase 460, or more realistically, survive 120 (eight-ball) overs. Wickets fell steadily, and the last man Lindsay Kline (first-class average: 8) came to the crease with 100 minutes remaining. At the other end was Ken "Slasher" Mackay - the nickname was ironic - and he was the perfect man for the situation. With nails all over Australia bitten to the quick, the pair somehow survived and Australia lived to fight another day - which they did, winning the last Test to take the series.
1991
An inglorious English collapse. Already 0-2 down in the series, England looked to be salvaging some pride in the last Test, in Perth, when Allan Lamb and Robin Smith belted them to 191 for 2 just before tea on the first day. Then the roof caved in. Craig McDermott took a Test-best 8 for 97 and the tail was blown away - the last eight wickets went down for 53 on a true pitch. It was pitiful stuff. The second innings was even worse: only Smith and Phil Newport passed 25. Australia won by nine wickets, and for the first time since 1958-59, England had failed to win a match in a five-Test series in Australia.
An inglorious English collapse. Already 0-2 down in the series, England looked to be salvaging some pride in the last Test, in Perth, when Allan Lamb and Robin Smith belted them to 191 for 2 just before tea on the first day. Then the roof caved in. Craig McDermott took a Test-best 8 for 97 and the tail was blown away - the last eight wickets went down for 53 on a true pitch. It was pitiful stuff. The second innings was even worse: only Smith and Phil Newport passed 25. Australia won by nine wickets, and for the first time since 1958-59, England had failed to win a match in a five-Test series in Australia.
1971
His star fell because of his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal, but Ajay Jadeja, who was born today, was one of the darlings of Indian cricket and even captained them in a handful of one-dayers. He played only 15 Tests, but featured in 196 one-dayers, and gave India crucial momentum in the taut World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan in 1996 with a rascally 25-ball 45, including 22 off one over from Waqar Younis. An impish hitter and a very good finisher, his medium pace was of the occasional variety, but he did take 3 for 3 in a one-dayer against England in Sharjah in 1998-99. He was, by a long way, one of India's best fielders in the 1990s.
His star fell because of his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal, but Ajay Jadeja, who was born today, was one of the darlings of Indian cricket and even captained them in a handful of one-dayers. He played only 15 Tests, but featured in 196 one-dayers, and gave India crucial momentum in the taut World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan in 1996 with a rascally 25-ball 45, including 22 off one over from Waqar Younis. An impish hitter and a very good finisher, his medium pace was of the occasional variety, but he did take 3 for 3 in a one-dayer against England in Sharjah in 1998-99. He was, by a long way, one of India's best fielders in the 1990s.
1982
Shoaib Malik, who was born today, hardly had success as Pakistan captain - besides smashing the minnows and reaching the final of the T20 World Cup in 2007 - during his stint in charge. However, his adaptability made him a handy asset in the Pakistan set-up. He batted in every position from 1 to 10 in ODIs since his debut in 1999. He began at Test level, batting in the lower order and was even used as an opener, and astonishingly proved an adept one. In 2010, Malik was banned for a year by the PCB on grounds of indiscipline. In typical Pakistan board style, it was overturned in two months. He was in and out of the limited-overs sides following the controversial tour to England that summer, but made a dramatic Test comeback in 2015, when he scored 245 against England in Abu Dhabi. He abruptly retired from the format at the end of the series to focus on the 2019 World Cup.
Shoaib Malik, who was born today, hardly had success as Pakistan captain - besides smashing the minnows and reaching the final of the T20 World Cup in 2007 - during his stint in charge. However, his adaptability made him a handy asset in the Pakistan set-up. He batted in every position from 1 to 10 in ODIs since his debut in 1999. He began at Test level, batting in the lower order and was even used as an opener, and astonishingly proved an adept one. In 2010, Malik was banned for a year by the PCB on grounds of indiscipline. In typical Pakistan board style, it was overturned in two months. He was in and out of the limited-overs sides following the controversial tour to England that summer, but made a dramatic Test comeback in 2015, when he scored 245 against England in Abu Dhabi. He abruptly retired from the format at the end of the series to focus on the 2019 World Cup.
1985
Three Tests, three centuries: Mohammad Azharuddin's introduction to life at the top was just about perfect. Today, against England in Kanpur, he became the first batter to make a century in each of his first three Tests. It was glorious stuff - his second fifty took only 38 balls - but it couldn't drive India to the victory they needed to square the series, and a very good year for England and their captain, David Gower - who would guide them to a 3-1 Ashes win - was underway.
Three Tests, three centuries: Mohammad Azharuddin's introduction to life at the top was just about perfect. Today, against England in Kanpur, he became the first batter to make a century in each of his first three Tests. It was glorious stuff - his second fifty took only 38 balls - but it couldn't drive India to the victory they needed to square the series, and a very good year for England and their captain, David Gower - who would guide them to a 3-1 Ashes win - was underway.
1987
The birth of Moises Henriques, who in 2013 became just the second Portugal-born Test cricketer, and the first such to represent Australia. Henriques first captained New South Wales at 22, but he remained on the periphery of the national team, making more of a mark in domestic T20 leagues. He was part of the Sydney Sixers squad that won the inaugural Big Bash League in 2011-12, playing every match of the tournament and finishing as his side's second highest run-getter. He also played a pivotal role in the team's Champions League win in 2012, this time as their second highest wicket-taker. In due course, Henriques assumed the captaincy of Sixers and led them to the final in the 2016-17 BBL. He has also been an IPL regular, representing as many as five teams, and winning the tournament with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.
The birth of Moises Henriques, who in 2013 became just the second Portugal-born Test cricketer, and the first such to represent Australia. Henriques first captained New South Wales at 22, but he remained on the periphery of the national team, making more of a mark in domestic T20 leagues. He was part of the Sydney Sixers squad that won the inaugural Big Bash League in 2011-12, playing every match of the tournament and finishing as his side's second highest run-getter. He also played a pivotal role in the team's Champions League win in 2012, this time as their second highest wicket-taker. In due course, Henriques assumed the captaincy of Sixers and led them to the final in the 2016-17 BBL. He has also been an IPL regular, representing as many as five teams, and winning the tournament with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.
1994
One down with one to play, but Australia had a new ingredient for the crucial third Test against South Africa in Adelaide: Steve Waugh. Having missed the first two games through injury, Waugh returned with 164 and 4 for 26, and though South Africa fought tooth and nail for a draw - despite a fractured thumb, nightwatchman Fanie de Villiers survived 197 minutes for 30 on the last day - Shane Warne and Craig McDermott wrapped them up in the final session. Peter Kirsten, who batted 568 minutes in the match, was twice fined for dissent. It was Hansie Cronje's first match as South Africa captain.
One down with one to play, but Australia had a new ingredient for the crucial third Test against South Africa in Adelaide: Steve Waugh. Having missed the first two games through injury, Waugh returned with 164 and 4 for 26, and though South Africa fought tooth and nail for a draw - despite a fractured thumb, nightwatchman Fanie de Villiers survived 197 minutes for 30 on the last day - Shane Warne and Craig McDermott wrapped them up in the final session. Peter Kirsten, who batted 568 minutes in the match, was twice fined for dissent. It was Hansie Cronje's first match as South Africa captain.
1972
A pretender is born. Franklyn Rose looked the part as a successor to Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh when he became the first West Indian to take a six-for on debut, against India at Sabina Park in 1996-97, but he soon went off the boil. Fast and skiddy at his best, Rose could be inconsistent and wayward, and in England in 2000 he bowled woefully, his errant spell deciding the low-scoring Lord's Test when Dominic Cork cracked him for 4 and 6.
A pretender is born. Franklyn Rose looked the part as a successor to Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh when he became the first West Indian to take a six-for on debut, against India at Sabina Park in 1996-97, but he soon went off the boil. Fast and skiddy at his best, Rose could be inconsistent and wayward, and in England in 2000 he bowled woefully, his errant spell deciding the low-scoring Lord's Test when Dominic Cork cracked him for 4 and 6.
1979
Peter Fulton or "two-metre Peter", born today, made his New Zealand debut in ODIs in 2004. He scored his first hundred in his fifth game, against Sri Lanka in Napier. In eight World Cup games in 2007 he scored 297 at 37.12. He made his Test debut in March 2006 but was moved around the batting order and was unable to cement a place anywhere in the top 5. In 2007 he had to have surgery on his knee and struggled for consistency since then.
Peter Fulton or "two-metre Peter", born today, made his New Zealand debut in ODIs in 2004. He scored his first hundred in his fifth game, against Sri Lanka in Napier. In eight World Cup games in 2007 he scored 297 at 37.12. He made his Test debut in March 2006 but was moved around the batting order and was unable to cement a place anywhere in the top 5. In 2007 he had to have surgery on his knee and struggled for consistency since then.
1995
A marvellous stand between Grant and Andy Flower against Pakistan in Harare. They put on 269 for the fourth wicket, passing the record of Ian and Greg Chappell (264) for brotherly Test partnerships. Grant went on to make an unbeaten 201, and in a collapse that would later raise a few eyebrows, Pakistan were bowled out for 322 and 158 to give Zimbabwe their first Test victory, in their 11th match, by an innings and 64 runs.
A marvellous stand between Grant and Andy Flower against Pakistan in Harare. They put on 269 for the fourth wicket, passing the record of Ian and Greg Chappell (264) for brotherly Test partnerships. Grant went on to make an unbeaten 201, and in a collapse that would later raise a few eyebrows, Pakistan were bowled out for 322 and 158 to give Zimbabwe their first Test victory, in their 11th match, by an innings and 64 runs.
1881
Tip Snooke, born today, played 26 Tests for South Africa as a stylish right-hand batter and right-arm fast-medium bowler. He was a regular member of the side before the First World War, captaining the team in the five-Test series against England in 1909-10. He was recalled and opened the attack against England as a 42-year-old in 1922-23. Snooke scored 1008 Test runs, making a century against Australia in Adelaide in 1910-11, and took 35 Test wickets.
Tip Snooke, born today, played 26 Tests for South Africa as a stylish right-hand batter and right-arm fast-medium bowler. He was a regular member of the side before the First World War, captaining the team in the five-Test series against England in 1909-10. He was recalled and opened the attack against England as a 42-year-old in 1922-23. Snooke scored 1008 Test runs, making a century against Australia in Adelaide in 1910-11, and took 35 Test wickets.
1998
The day England won the World Cup. The Under-19 World Cup, that is. They beat New Zealand in the final in Johannesburg by seven wickets, with Essex's Stephen Peters making 107. The squad had the likes of Robert Key, Chris Schofield, Owais Shah, Graeme Swann and Paul Frank.
The day England won the World Cup. The Under-19 World Cup, that is. They beat New Zealand in the final in Johannesburg by seven wickets, with Essex's Stephen Peters making 107. The squad had the likes of Robert Key, Chris Schofield, Owais Shah, Graeme Swann and Paul Frank.
Other birthdays
1910 Jahangir Khan (India)
1922 Clifford McWatt (West Indies)
1942 David Sincock (Australia)
1950 Naseer Malik (Pakistan)
1965 Dave Callaghan (South Africa)
1969 Mahbubur Rahman (Bangladesh)
1910 Jahangir Khan (India)
1922 Clifford McWatt (West Indies)
1942 David Sincock (Australia)
1950 Naseer Malik (Pakistan)
1965 Dave Callaghan (South Africa)
1969 Mahbubur Rahman (Bangladesh)