Famous Test Matches – West Indies v India, Bridgetown, 1996-97

This Test was the only one in the five-match series to end with a result. The West Indies had lost quite a bit of their aura of their golden period, but were nevertheless a strong force to reckon with, especially at home. India meanwhile were again looking to shed their ‘poor travellers’ tag, having […]

Famous Test Matches – South Africa v England, Cape Town, 1922-23

This New Year’s Test match, played from January 1 to January 4, 1923, was the second of the five-match series between hosts South Africa and England. South Africa were leading 1-0 after a 168-run win at Johannesburg. The home captain Herbie Taylor won the toss and decided to bat. But it soon turned […]

SPECIALS – Test records that might never be broken, Part 1

In its glorious history, the wonderful game of Test cricket has produced many world-class players, and in the process, the records continue to tumble more often than not. But there are a few astonishing numbers that have stood the test of time, and in all probability, will forever stand unchallenged. The cliche says that ‘records […]

Specials – Kenya’s finest ODI wins

The 2003 World Cup was memorable in many respects, but nothing could match the amazing feat of Kenya, who became the first ever Associate nation to enter a World Cup semi-final. Buoyed by wins over Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe and a lucky forfeiture by New Zealand, the spirited African nation defied all odds […]

Famous Test Matches – England v Pakistan, Lord’s, 1992

This was the second Test of Pakistan’s five-match series in England, played between June 18 and 21. The two teams renewed their battle at Lord’s after the first Test at Edgbaston resulted in a rain-affected draw. Graham Gooch elected to bat first and immediately blunted the much-vaunted Pakistan attack, which comprised of the swing twins Wasim Akram and Waqar […]

Famous Test Matches – West Indies v Pakistan, St. John’s, 2000

The West Indies had endured a tough series in New Zealand at the start of the year, having lost both the Tests and all five one-dayers. Captain Brian Lara duly gave up the captaincy and took a sabbatical from the game, thus further weakening the brittle batting line-up. A year earlier, the Windies were swamped […]

FAMOUS TEST MATCHES – New Zealand v England, Wellington 1977-78

This was the 48th Test played between England and New Zealand, and the first one was played 48 years ago – New Zealand having not won a single Test over them. England had started the season with a 3-0 win in the Ashes, before settling for a 0-0 stalemate in Pakistan, and were expected to beat […]