Cricketers Born on August 16

Joe HarrisCA
Joe Harris

60y / 1965

Batsman

Howard JohnsonUS
Howard Johnson

61y / 1964

Batsman

Randhir SinghIN
Randhir Singh

68y / 1957

Batsman

Mahes GoonatillekeLK
Mahes Goonatilleke

73y / 1952

Wicket-keeper batsman

Mufasir-ul-HaqPK
Mufasir-ul-Haq

81y / 1944

Batsman

Sam TrimbleAU
Sam Trimble

91y / 1934

Batsman

Narsingh DeonarineWI
Narsingh Deonarine

42y / 1983

Batsman

Arthur JonesENG
Arthur Jones

153y / 1872

Batsman

Marcus StoinisAU
Marcus Stoinis

36y / 1989

All-rounder

Lord HawkeENG
Lord Hawke

165y / 1860

Batsman

Jeff ThomsonAU
Jeff Thomson

75y / 1950

Bowler

Shivnarine ChanderpaulWI
Shivnarine Chanderpaul

51y / 1974

Batsman

Player Info
Birth of Shivnarine Chanderpaul. When he made his debut against England in Georgetown in 1993-94

1974 – Birth of Shivnarine Chanderpaul

One of West Indies’ greatest ever batters, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, was born on this day. He debuted as a teenager in 1994 and went on to become the rock of West Indies’ batting. After slow beginnings, his run tally soared from 2006 onwards, scoring seven centuries and averaging over 73 in three years. He captained briefly, but once he stepped down, he transformed into a run-machine—becoming the second West Indian after Brian Lara to pass 10,000 Test runs. Known for his unorthodox stance and limpet-like resilience, Chanderpaul held the innings together countless times. He was finally dropped in 2015, ending a career of grit, patience, and monumental contributions.

1950 – Jeff Thomson’s Birth

Born today, Jeff Thomson was perhaps the fastest bowler the game has ever seen. Though his debut in 1972-73 was modest, he returned against England in 1974-75 and wreaked havoc alongside Dennis Lillee, taking 33 wickets in a brutal 4-1 Ashes win. With a slingshot action and raw pace, he terrorized batters worldwide, finishing with 200 Test wickets, half of them against England.

1950 – Alf Valentine & West Indies’ Historic Triumph

On this day, West Indies clinched their first-ever Test series win in England, completing a 3-1 victory at The Oval. Spinner Alf Valentine picked up 10 wickets in the match and 33 for the series, while Sonny Ramadhin partnered him in what became a legendary spin duo. Their feats were immortalized in the famous calypso “those two little pals of mine.”

2009 – Charles Coventry’s Record Innings

Zimbabwe’s Charles Coventry equalled Saeed Anwar’s ODI record with a stunning 194* off 154 balls against Bangladesh in Bulawayo. It was his maiden ODI hundred, and it single-handedly lifted Zimbabwe past 300. But despite his heroics, Tamim Iqbal’s 154 guided Bangladesh to victory. Coventry’s effort remained unforgettable, though Sachin Tendulkar broke the record six months later with the first ODI double-century.

2021 – India’s Lord’s Miracle

India stunned England at Lord’s with a 151-run win. On the final day, with just a modest lead, tailenders Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah added a gutsy 89-run stand, frustrating the hosts. Fired up, India’s bowlers then ripped through England, with Mohammed Siraj taking eight wickets in the match. England had looked in control when Joe Root scored a sublime 180 earlier, but the game turned dramatically in India’s favour.

2000 – Indoor Cricket Debut

Australia’s Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan (106*) put on a 222-run stand against South Africa in Melbourne—the first international match ever played indoors, at Colonial Stadium.

1860 – Birth of Lord Hawke

Martin, Lord Hawke, was born on this day. Though his Test career was modest, he left an indelible mark as Yorkshire’s most successful captain, leading them to eight County Championship titles. He introduced winter pay for professionals and remains one of cricket’s most influential administrators.

1985 – Richard Ellison’s Match-Winning Spell

England seamer Richard Ellison produced the performance of his life at Edgbaston, taking 6 for 77 against Australia to complete a ten-wicket match haul. England won by an innings to take a 2-1 series lead.

1989 – Birth of Marcus Stoinis

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, born today, became known for his power hitting and big-match temperament. His 146* in just his second ODI against New Zealand nearly pulled off an improbable win. He later smashed the fastest T20I fifty by an Australian (17 balls) in the 2022 World Cup.

1905 – Arthur Jones’ Birthday Test

On his 33rd birthday, Arthur Jones became the first substitute to keep wicket in a Test, catching Warwick Armstrong at The Oval. Though not statistically remarkable, Jones is remembered for his slip fielding and for pioneering the gully position.

2014 – India Women’s Test Return

After an eight-year gap, India Women returned to Test cricket and upset England at Wormsley. With eight debutants in the XI, India bowled England out for 92 on the first day. Jhulan Goswami starred with four wickets in the second innings, before Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj guided India to a famous six-wicket win.

1983 – Birth of Narsingh Deonarine

West Indies middle-order batter Narsingh Deonarine, born today, had a start-stop international career. He made half-centuries against South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand but was dropped in 2013 after inconsistent performances.

Last updated on: August 18, 2025