Cricketers Born on December 13

Ajay RatraIN
Ajay Ratra

44y / 1981

Wicket-keeper batsman

Les JoslinAU
Les Joslin

78y / 1947

Batsman

Fred GraceENG
Fred Grace

175y / 1850

Batsman

Corey AndersonUS
Corey Anderson

35y / 1990

All-rounder

Basit AliPK
Basit Ali

55y / 1970

Batsman

Player Info

1975 – Roy Fredericks’ Audacious Innings

One of the boldest knocks in Test history came at the WACA, where Roy Fredericks single-handedly led West Indies to an innings victory against Australia. Despite the fearsome pace duo of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson, Fredericks attacked relentlessly, scoring 50 off 33 balls and a century off 71 deliveries. By lunch on the second day, West Indies were 130 for 1 from just 14 overs, leaving Lillee and Thomson’s figures of 37-0-251-5 looking grim. Fredericks finished unbeaten on 169 from only 145 balls.

1974 – Colin Cowdrey’s Christmas Call-Up

Forty-two-year-old Colin Cowdrey was relaxing at home in Kent when an injury crisis called him to Australia. Thrown straight into the second Test in Perth, he faced the fearsome Lillee and Thomson, scoring 22 and 41. His calm demeanor even silenced Thomson when he greeted him with a cheerful, “Hello, I’m Colin Cowdrey, I don’t believe we’ve met.”

2017 – Rohit Sharma’s Third ODI Double Century

Rohit Sharma made history with his third ODI double century against Sri Lanka in Mohali. After India were bowled out for 112 in the first match, Rohit’s 264 propelled India to 392, supported by half-centuries from Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer. India won comfortably by 141 runs.

1901 – Sydney Barnes’ Dream Debut

Sydney Barnes, later hailed as one of the greatest bowlers of the 20th century, took 5 for 65 on his Test debut against Australia at the SCG. England won by an innings and 124 runs, with three other visiting players—Charlie Blythe, Len Braund, and John Gunn—also making their debut.

1999 – England’s Recovery in South Africa

In Port Elizabeth, England bounced back from 2 for 4 to salvage a gritty draw. Nasser Hussain led with 82 and an unbeaten 70, while Mike Atherton and Lance Klusener added centuries. The match was tense, with controversial umpiring affecting four of England’s second-innings wickets.

2014 – Virat Kohli’s Emotional First as Captain

In Adelaide, a week after Phillip Hughes’ funeral, Virat Kohli scored twin hundreds in his first Test as captain, becoming the second player after Greg Chappell to achieve the feat. Despite Kohli’s 141, India fell short, losing by 48 runs, with Nathan Lyon’s 12 wickets proving decisive.

1966 – Clive Lloyd’s Debut Brilliance

Twenty-two-year-old Clive Lloyd debuted against India in Bombay, scoring half-centuries in both innings, including an unbeaten 78 in the second. West Indies won by six wickets, and Lloyd averaged 56.75 across the series, foreshadowing a legendary career.

1965 – Doug Walters’ Stunning First Test

Nineteen-year-old Doug Walters lit up his debut against England in Brisbane with a brilliant 155. Despite his heroics, rain intervened, and the match ended in a draw.

1970 – Basit Ali’s Promising Start

Basit Ali debuted for Pakistan in an unofficial World Championship duel against West Indies. Facing Ambrose, Walsh, and Bishop, he showed glimpses of brilliance, though his early promise faded in later years.

1985 – Australia’s New Era

After tough losses to England and New Zealand, Australia introduced Merv Hughes, Geoff Marsh, and Bruce Reid against India, setting the stage for a resurgence. Steve Waugh debuted in the next match. The first Test was a high-scoring draw, notable for Sunil Gavaskar surpassing 9,000 Test runs with an unbeaten 166.

1970 – Greg Chappell’s Memorable Debut

Greg Chappell scored a glorious 108 on debut against England in Perth. Other centuries in the match came from Brian Luckhurst, John Edrich, and Ian Redpath, while Bill Lawry reached 5,000 Test runs.

1990 – Corey Anderson’s Record ODI Century

Corey Anderson burst onto the international scene with a then-record 36-ball ODI century against West Indies in 2014, hitting 14 sixes and six fours in an unbeaten 131. A promising all-rounder, he later scored his first Test century against Bangladesh in 2013 and eventually qualified to play for the USA after a stint in MLC.

Last updated on: December 14, 2025