Cricketers Born on December 11

Junaid ZiaPK
Junaid Zia

42y / 1983

Bowler

Andrew PuttickZA
Andrew Puttick

45y / 1980

Wicket-keeper batsman

Bjorn KotzeNA
Bjorn Kotze

47y / 1978

Batsman

Richard StempENG
Richard Stemp

58y / 1967

All-rounder

George FrancisWI
George Francis

128y / 1897

All-rounder

StanleyENG
Stanley

164y / 1861

Batsman

Rick McCoskerAU
Rick McCosker

79y / 1946

Batsman

Salim DuraniIN
Salim Durani

91y / 1934

All-rounder

Mark GreatbatchNZ
Mark Greatbatch

62y / 1963

Wicket-keeper batsman

Murray GoodwinZW
Murray Goodwin

53y / 1972

Batsman

Subhash GupteIN
Subhash Gupte

96y / 1929

Bowler

Tim SoutheeNZ
Tim Southee

37y / 1988

Bowler

Sylvester ClarkeWI
Sylvester Clarke

71y / 1954

Batsman

Player Info

2000 – Thorpe Seals a Famous Win in Karachi

England pulled off a dramatic victory in the Karachi gloom, thanks to Graham Thorpe’s nervy but composed 64*. What looked like a drifting contest suddenly flipped as Pakistan collapsed on the final day. Thorpe guided England home with calm nudges and deflections, sealing their first Test-series win in Pakistan in 39 years. It also marked Pakistan’s first defeat in 35 Tests at the National Stadium.

1954 – The Terrifying Sylvester Clarke

Few bowlers have struck fear into batters quite like Sylvester Theophilus Clarke. Friendly off the field but brutal on it, Clarke became a nightmare figure—especially for tailenders. Despite playing only 11 Tests for the West Indies, he dominated county cricket with Surrey. Known for his fiery temperament—he once hurled a brick into a crowd in Pakistan—Clarke was remembered as a relentless fast bowler who “would have bounced his grandmother.” He passed away suddenly in 1999.

1988 – The Rise of Tim Southee

Born on this day, Tim Southee announced himself in style with a five-for on Test debut in 2008. His best came later: 7 for 64 against India in 2012 and 7 for 33 against England in the 2015 ODI World Cup. Southee produced match-winning spells across formats, including 10 for 108 at Lord’s in 2013. After taking over Test captaincy from Kane Williamson in 2023, he retired in 2024, closing a superb 17-year career.

1984 – Allan Border Begins His Long Captaincy

Allan Border captained Australia for the first time in Adelaide, but the result was familiar: West Indies crushed them by 191 runs, stretching their unbeaten streak to 26. That match was the first of Border’s record 93 consecutive Tests as captain. Over the next decade, he rebuilt Australian cricket, laying the foundation for the era of dominance that followed.

1982 – Zaheer Abbas Reaches a Historic Hundred

In Lahore, Zaheer Abbas became only the 20th player, and the second to do so in a Test, to score 100 first-class centuries. The milestone highlighted his prolific run-scoring and elegant style, cementing him among cricket’s greats.

1963 – A Career Ends in Controversy

The Brisbane Test between Australia and South Africa saw the debuts of Graeme Pollock and Denis Lindsay—but the moment that stood out was Ian Meckiff being no-balled four times for throwing in a single over. He retired immediately at age 28. This match also marked Richie Benaud’s last Test as captain; he bowed out with only four defeats in 28 matches and no series losses.

1929 – Subhash Gupte, India’s Forgotten Spin Genius

Born on this day, Subhash “Fergie” Gupte is often overlooked, yet he was among India’s finest legspinners. He impressed on the 1952–53 West Indies tour with three five-fors in five Tests. Remarkably, his bowling record overseas was even better than at home—a rarity for Indian spinners.

1972 – Murray Goodwin’s Underrated Influence

Murray Goodwin, born today, played a major role in Zimbabwe’s early successes. Raised in Australia, he adapted quickly to Test cricket and produced memorable knocks—including an unbeaten 166 against Pakistan. After leaving Zimbabwe cricket, he excelled in domestic cricket for Western Australia and Sussex.

1963 – Mark Greatbatch, the Original Pinch-Hitter

Known for redefining ODI opening with his aggressive style in the 1992 World Cup, Mark Greatbatch was more than just a hitter. He was capable of long defensive innings too, like his 146 in Perth. However, struggles against top-quality fast bowling limited his international tenure.

1934 – Salim Durani, India’s Crowd Favourite

Salim Durani, one of India’s most charismatic allrounders, was born on this day. With the ability to both attack and defend with the bat and trouble the best batters with his left-arm spin, Durani earned cult status. His key role in India’s famous 1971 win in Trinidad—dismissing Lloyd and Sobers for zero—remains unforgettable.

1988 & 2004 – Two Tendulkar Hundreds, Sixteen Years Apart

Sachin Tendulkar first announced himself at 15 with an unbeaten 100 on his first-class debut at the Wankhede. Sixteen years later, he scored another unbeaten century—159 against Bangladesh in Dhaka—equalling Sunil Gavaskar’s record of 34 Test hundreds.

1979 – Boycott’s Surprise ODI Hundred

Just days after a match-winning 68 in Melbourne, Geoff Boycott stunned Sydney with his first and only ODI hundred—105 against Australia. Facing a strong attack featuring Lillee and Thomson, Boycott powered England to victory in a rare show of one-day aggression.

1997 – Hollioake’s Underdogs Triumph in Sharjah

Adam Hollioake led a makeshift England side to an unexpected title in a tri-series against Pakistan, India, and West Indies. They won all four games, including a tense seven-run win over India, powered by Alec Stewart’s 116 and debutant Matthew Fleming’s cool-headed 4 for 45.

1946 – Rick McCosker, the Tough Aussie

Rick McCosker, born today, was known for his determination. His finest moment came in the 1977 Centenary Test when, with his jaw wired after being hit by Bob Willis, he returned to score a brave 25 at No. 10. That partnership helped Australia secure a famous win.

1994 – Dave Callaghan’s One-Day Dream

Recalled to the South African team, Dave Callaghan smashed 169* off 143 against New Zealand in Centurion—a career-defining innings. Though he rarely crossed 45 in his other ODIs, his record as an opener remained impressive.

1988 – Mark Waugh’s Low-Key ODI Debut

Mark Waugh debuted in ODIs in a match memorable for being the first international appearance of twins—Mark and Steve—together. He didn’t bat or bowl, but Australia cruised to a nine-wicket win, with fellow debutant Merv Hughes taking 3 for 30.

2000 – Ganguly Dominates, Then Gets Banned

Sourav Ganguly had a mixed day in Kanpur: he won the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe almost single-handedly with 5 for 38 and a fluent 71*, but was later handed a one-match ban for dissent and attempting to intimidate umpires.

Last updated on: December 11, 2025