February 19 down the years
A Beefy masterclass
The Golden Jubilee Test, starring Ian Botham
Ian Botham: a century, a 13-wicket haul, and still thirsting for more • PA Photos
1980
A magnificent solo in the Golden Jubilee Test against India in Bombay from the inimitable Ian Botham, who became the first man to score a century and take ten wickets in a Test with a mighty performance. He took 6 for 58 and 7 for 48, and in between smacked a decisive 114 (nobody else reached 50 in the match), adding 171 for the sixth wicket with Bob Taylor, who also set a new Test record by taking ten catches in the match (overtaken by Jack Russell in 1995-96). In statistical terms this was Botham's zenith: after 25 Tests, he had made 1336 runs at an average of 40 and taken 139 wickets at a cost of 18.
A magnificent solo in the Golden Jubilee Test against India in Bombay from the inimitable Ian Botham, who became the first man to score a century and take ten wickets in a Test with a mighty performance. He took 6 for 58 and 7 for 48, and in between smacked a decisive 114 (nobody else reached 50 in the match), adding 171 for the sixth wicket with Bob Taylor, who also set a new Test record by taking ten catches in the match (overtaken by Jack Russell in 1995-96). In statistical terms this was Botham's zenith: after 25 Tests, he had made 1336 runs at an average of 40 and taken 139 wickets at a cost of 18.
1999
A riot in Calcutta. Nothing to do with Sachin Tendulkar's willow-wielding, but instead a response to him being controversially run out in the Asian Test Championship match against Pakistan. It wasn't the only one: as Pakistan moved towards victory on the final day, there was a three-hour delay as all spectators were removed from the ground. Pakistan's win owed most to a blistering 188 not out from Saeed Anwar, and came in spite of 13 wickets from Javagal Srinath. It was some comeback too: on the first morning they had been 26 for 6.
A riot in Calcutta. Nothing to do with Sachin Tendulkar's willow-wielding, but instead a response to him being controversially run out in the Asian Test Championship match against Pakistan. It wasn't the only one: as Pakistan moved towards victory on the final day, there was a three-hour delay as all spectators were removed from the ground. Pakistan's win owed most to a blistering 188 not out from Saeed Anwar, and came in spite of 13 wickets from Javagal Srinath. It was some comeback too: on the first morning they had been 26 for 6.
1985
Birth of a gritty Pakistan batter Azhar Ali who started off with six half-centuries in his first ten Tests and another seven - plus a hundred - in his next ten. He showed sound temperament, batting more than four hours for 68 after Pakistan had conceded a first-innings lead against England in Abu Dhabi - a match Pakistan eventually won after bowling England out for 72. A dip in form resulted in him being dropped in 2013 but Azhar returned in style, scoring a brisk hundred to help Pakistan chase 302 in 57.3 overs and square the series against Sri Lanka. He was out of the one-day team for more than two years but, surprisingly, was appointed ODI captain on his recall, in 2015. The same year, he scored 226 in Mirpur. In 2016, Azhar became the fourth Pakistan batter to score a Test triple-hundred - 302 not out against West Indies. Two months later, on his first tour of Australia, he made a Test double-century at the MCG, and stepped down from the one-day captaincy at the end of the tour after Pakistan lost the ODI series 4-1. In 2017, he made consecutive Test hundreds in Pakistan's first series win in the Caribbean. He was appointed the full-time Test captain in 2019, but held the position for less than a year. Azhar retired in 2022 after Pakistan were whitewashed by England at home.
Birth of a gritty Pakistan batter Azhar Ali who started off with six half-centuries in his first ten Tests and another seven - plus a hundred - in his next ten. He showed sound temperament, batting more than four hours for 68 after Pakistan had conceded a first-innings lead against England in Abu Dhabi - a match Pakistan eventually won after bowling England out for 72. A dip in form resulted in him being dropped in 2013 but Azhar returned in style, scoring a brisk hundred to help Pakistan chase 302 in 57.3 overs and square the series against Sri Lanka. He was out of the one-day team for more than two years but, surprisingly, was appointed ODI captain on his recall, in 2015. The same year, he scored 226 in Mirpur. In 2016, Azhar became the fourth Pakistan batter to score a Test triple-hundred - 302 not out against West Indies. Two months later, on his first tour of Australia, he made a Test double-century at the MCG, and stepped down from the one-day captaincy at the end of the tour after Pakistan lost the ODI series 4-1. In 2017, he made consecutive Test hundreds in Pakistan's first series win in the Caribbean. He was appointed the full-time Test captain in 2019, but held the position for less than a year. Azhar retired in 2022 after Pakistan were whitewashed by England at home.
1937
Birth of the new Bradman. That's how Norman O'Neill was hyped when he burst onto the scene in the late 1950s, but despite a Test average of 45, the tag inevitably proved to be a millstone round his neck. His high point came in the tied Test against West Indies in 1960-61, when he belted a Test-best 181, and at his peak O'Neill could be a devastating strokemaker, particularly off the back foot. He was also 12th man in the official New South Wales team of the 20th century. He died in 2008 aged 71.
Birth of the new Bradman. That's how Norman O'Neill was hyped when he burst onto the scene in the late 1950s, but despite a Test average of 45, the tag inevitably proved to be a millstone round his neck. His high point came in the tied Test against West Indies in 1960-61, when he belted a Test-best 181, and at his peak O'Neill could be a devastating strokemaker, particularly off the back foot. He was also 12th man in the official New South Wales team of the 20th century. He died in 2008 aged 71.
1977
Doug Walters scored a career-best 250 in Christchurch, batting for six and a half hours on this day. Gary Gilmour made 101 and the two added 217 - still an Australian record for the seventh wicket - to take the side to 552, after which New Zealand just managed to save the follow-on with one wicket in hand. It was also Ewen Chatfield's first match after his horrific head injury two years earlier. Australia set New Zealand a target of 350 and Bev Congdon's unbeaten century, along with Dayle Hadlee's 52-minute vigil, helped the hosts cling on for a draw after they lost eight wickets in the second innings.
Doug Walters scored a career-best 250 in Christchurch, batting for six and a half hours on this day. Gary Gilmour made 101 and the two added 217 - still an Australian record for the seventh wicket - to take the side to 552, after which New Zealand just managed to save the follow-on with one wicket in hand. It was also Ewen Chatfield's first match after his horrific head injury two years earlier. Australia set New Zealand a target of 350 and Bev Congdon's unbeaten century, along with Dayle Hadlee's 52-minute vigil, helped the hosts cling on for a draw after they lost eight wickets in the second innings.
2023
India took a 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy when they wrapped up the second Test in Delhi inside three days. Australia lost eight wickets for 28 runs in their second innings as Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin bowled them out for 113. Jadeja took career-best innings figures of 7 for 42 and career-best match figures of 10 for 110. India's third spinner, Axar Patel, went wicketless in the Test, but top-scored for the side with 74 crucial runs, which put them at par with Australia's first-innings total. Cheteshwar Pujara, playing his 100th Test, completed the six-wicket win shortly after lunch on day three with a four through midwicket.
India took a 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy when they wrapped up the second Test in Delhi inside three days. Australia lost eight wickets for 28 runs in their second innings as Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin bowled them out for 113. Jadeja took career-best innings figures of 7 for 42 and career-best match figures of 10 for 110. India's third spinner, Axar Patel, went wicketless in the Test, but top-scored for the side with 74 crucial runs, which put them at par with Australia's first-innings total. Cheteshwar Pujara, playing his 100th Test, completed the six-wicket win shortly after lunch on day three with a four through midwicket.
2023
On the same day, England beat New Zealand by 267 runs in the day-night Test in Mount Maunganui. On day one, England captain Ben Stokes did the Bazball thing and declared at 325 for 9 to give his bowlers a chance to test New Zealand's batters under the lights, a tactic that worked as the hosts went to stumps at 37 for 3. Opener Devon Conway made 77; that and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell's century from No. 7 kept New Zealand's first-innings deficit to 19, but their bowlers couldn't keep England's scoring in check once again. Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Foakes all made quick half-centuries to set a steep target. Then Stuart Broad ran through New Zealand's top order and James Anderson through the lower order to bowl them out for 126.
On the same day, England beat New Zealand by 267 runs in the day-night Test in Mount Maunganui. On day one, England captain Ben Stokes did the Bazball thing and declared at 325 for 9 to give his bowlers a chance to test New Zealand's batters under the lights, a tactic that worked as the hosts went to stumps at 37 for 3. Opener Devon Conway made 77; that and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell's century from No. 7 kept New Zealand's first-innings deficit to 19, but their bowlers couldn't keep England's scoring in check once again. Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Foakes all made quick half-centuries to set a steep target. Then Stuart Broad ran through New Zealand's top order and James Anderson through the lower order to bowl them out for 126.
2003
They had claimed Bangladesh's scalp in their first World Cup match for 24 years, but by their third fixture Canada reverted to more familiar territory. Against Sri Lanka in Paarl, they were bowled out for 36 - back then the lowest total in ODI history, and nine runs worse than their previous record low in a World Cup, 45 against England at Old Trafford in 1979. Their innings lasted for 18.4 overs, included five ducks and not a single score in double figures, and Sri Lanka rattled to victory inside five overs.
They had claimed Bangladesh's scalp in their first World Cup match for 24 years, but by their third fixture Canada reverted to more familiar territory. Against Sri Lanka in Paarl, they were bowled out for 36 - back then the lowest total in ODI history, and nine runs worse than their previous record low in a World Cup, 45 against England at Old Trafford in 1979. Their innings lasted for 18.4 overs, included five ducks and not a single score in double figures, and Sri Lanka rattled to victory inside five overs.
1995
In the first 120 years of Test cricket, no side came from behind to win a three-Test series overseas. On this day Pakistan managed it with a 99-run win over Zimbabwe in Harare. The Pakistanis had Inzamam-ul-Haq to thank: in a low-scoring match where only one other batter passed 50, his meaty knocks of 101 and 83 made all the difference.
In the first 120 years of Test cricket, no side came from behind to win a three-Test series overseas. On this day Pakistan managed it with a 99-run win over Zimbabwe in Harare. The Pakistanis had Inzamam-ul-Haq to thank: in a low-scoring match where only one other batter passed 50, his meaty knocks of 101 and 83 made all the difference.
2006
Pakistan prevailed in a low-scoring final against India to win the Under-19 World Cup by 38 runs in Colombo. Legspinner Piyush Chawla took 4 for 8 and Pakistan were bowled out for 109. But the total proved more than sufficient when India fell to 8 for 4 in the second over and then 9 for 6 by the fourth. Right-arm medium-fast bowler Anwar Ali took three in his first over and 5 for 35 overall as India's top seven failed to reach double figures. Chawla's unbeaten 25 was the top score of the innings, which lasted just 18.5 overs.
Pakistan prevailed in a low-scoring final against India to win the Under-19 World Cup by 38 runs in Colombo. Legspinner Piyush Chawla took 4 for 8 and Pakistan were bowled out for 109. But the total proved more than sufficient when India fell to 8 for 4 in the second over and then 9 for 6 by the fourth. Right-arm medium-fast bowler Anwar Ali took three in his first over and 5 for 35 overall as India's top seven failed to reach double figures. Chawla's unbeaten 25 was the top score of the innings, which lasted just 18.5 overs.
2022
New Zealand's first Test win over South Africa since 2004 came in convincing fashion inside three days in Christchurch. The innings-and 276-run result was South Africa's second worst defeat in Tests. Matt Henry exploited the seam and bounce at the Hagley Oval for career-best figures of 7 for 23, bowling South Africa out for 95 in the first innings. South Africa's bowlers suffered at Henry's hands as well - after Henry Nicholls (105) and Tom Blundell (96) had taken New Zealand past 350, Henry bashed a rollicking unbeaten half-century from No. 11 and New Zealand posted 480. Tim Southee wrapped up proceedings early on day three, picking up a five-for as South Africa managed only 16 better than in their first innings.
New Zealand's first Test win over South Africa since 2004 came in convincing fashion inside three days in Christchurch. The innings-and 276-run result was South Africa's second worst defeat in Tests. Matt Henry exploited the seam and bounce at the Hagley Oval for career-best figures of 7 for 23, bowling South Africa out for 95 in the first innings. South Africa's bowlers suffered at Henry's hands as well - after Henry Nicholls (105) and Tom Blundell (96) had taken New Zealand past 350, Henry bashed a rollicking unbeaten half-century from No. 11 and New Zealand posted 480. Tim Southee wrapped up proceedings early on day three, picking up a five-for as South Africa managed only 16 better than in their first innings.
1994
The first day of the Test leg of England's tour of the Caribbean got off to a flier when Mike Atherton and Alec Stewart added 121 in comfortable style for the first wicket. Then the roof caved in. England were all out for 234, West Indies piled up a big lead despite sliding to 23 for 3, and England went down by eight wickets.
The first day of the Test leg of England's tour of the Caribbean got off to a flier when Mike Atherton and Alec Stewart added 121 in comfortable style for the first wicket. Then the roof caved in. England were all out for 234, West Indies piled up a big lead despite sliding to 23 for 3, and England went down by eight wickets.
1891
A cricketing farmer is born. Jack "Farmer" White didn't turn it much for a left-arm spin bowler, instead relying on accuracy and variations of pace. He served England well between the reigns of Wilfred Rhodes and Hedley Verity, playing 14 of his 15 Tests after the age of 37. His finest hour came in the steaming heat of Adelaide in 1928-29, when his match figures were 124.5-37-256-13 in England's 12-run victory. His second-innings 8 for 126 is fourth in the Wisden 100.
A cricketing farmer is born. Jack "Farmer" White didn't turn it much for a left-arm spin bowler, instead relying on accuracy and variations of pace. He served England well between the reigns of Wilfred Rhodes and Hedley Verity, playing 14 of his 15 Tests after the age of 37. His finest hour came in the steaming heat of Adelaide in 1928-29, when his match figures were 124.5-37-256-13 in England's 12-run victory. His second-innings 8 for 126 is fourth in the Wisden 100.
1970
Ruwan Kalpage, born today, was a combative allrounder in domestic cricket in Sri Lanka but struggled at the Test level. While he scored over 5800 runs at 34.16 and took 427 wickets at 22.71 with his offbreaks in first-class matches, he made only 294 at 18.37 and took just 12 wickets in 11 Tests. His opportunities were also limited by the emergence of legspinner Upul Chandana. After quitting the game in 1999, he assisted Trevor Chappell as Sri Lanka's fielding coach before taking over the role in 2001. He also coached U-15, U-19 and A teams.
Ruwan Kalpage, born today, was a combative allrounder in domestic cricket in Sri Lanka but struggled at the Test level. While he scored over 5800 runs at 34.16 and took 427 wickets at 22.71 with his offbreaks in first-class matches, he made only 294 at 18.37 and took just 12 wickets in 11 Tests. His opportunities were also limited by the emergence of legspinner Upul Chandana. After quitting the game in 1999, he assisted Trevor Chappell as Sri Lanka's fielding coach before taking over the role in 2001. He also coached U-15, U-19 and A teams.
Other birthdays
1909 Charlie Walker (Australia)
1956 Steve Randell (Australia)
1965 John Commins (South Africa)
1969 Warren Wisneski (New Zealand)
1972 Lucy Pearson (England)
1909 Charlie Walker (Australia)
1956 Steve Randell (Australia)
1965 John Commins (South Africa)
1969 Warren Wisneski (New Zealand)
1972 Lucy Pearson (England)