Cricketers Born on December 2

Stefan SwanepoelNA
Stefan Swanepoel

44y / 1981

Wicket-keeper batsman

Robbie HartNZ
Robbie Hart

51y / 1974

Wicket-keeper batsman

Sujith SomasunderIN
Sujith Somasunder

53y / 1972

Batsman

Clive EksteenZA
Clive Eksteen

59y / 1966

Batsman

Dhiraj ParsanaIN
Dhiraj Parsana

78y / 1947

Batsman

George EmmettENG
George Emmett

113y / 1912

Batsman

Bob NewsonZA
Bob Newson

115y / 1910

Batsman

Charles StuddENG
Charles Studd

165y / 1860

Batsman

Frank AllanAU
Frank Allan

176y / 1849

Batsman

Alan ThomsonAU
Alan Thomson

80y / 1945

All-rounder

Eric DaltonZA
Eric Dalton

119y / 1906

Batsman

Abdul RazzaqPK
Abdul Razzaq

46y / 1979

All-rounder

Player Info

1932 – The Birth of Bodyline

The term “Bodyline” was first used on the opening day of the first Test at the SCG. Journalist Hugh Buggy sent his report to the Melbourne Age with the phrase “body-line bowling,” which sub-editor Ray Robinson shortened to one word. The term quickly caught on. In the match, Australia faced fierce bowling: Harold Larwood’s sixth delivery nearly struck Bill Woodfull’s head, while Bill Ponsford and Jack Fingleton also took painful blows. Don Bradman missed the Test due to a dispute with the board.

1977 – World Series Cricket Debut

World Series Cricket arrived to a lukewarm reception, with barely 200 spectators at VFL Park outside Melbourne to watch Australia face West Indies. On the first day, Australia was bowled out for 256, a stronger performance than the official Australia side playing in Brisbane, who managed just 166 against India.

1979 – Birth of Abdul Razzaq

Pakistani allrounder Abdul Razzaq was born today. Known for his paradoxical style, he often played cautiously at No. 7, breaking partnerships with late inswingers. Yet he could explode, taking a Test hat-trick against Sri Lanka in 1999-2000 and smashing a 40-ball 75 against England in 2000-01. After stints in the ICL, he returned to international cricket in 2009, helping Pakistan to the World T20 crown. His unbeaten century against South Africa in Abu Dhabi in 2010 secured a thrilling one-wicket victory.

2018 – Bangladesh’s First Innings Win

Bangladesh recorded their first-ever Test win by an innings in Mirpur. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan took a career-best 12 wickets, while every Bangladeshi batter reached double figures. Mahmudullah scored his second Test hundred of the month, helping Bangladesh sweep the two-Test series 2-0.

1985 – Viv Richards Dominates in Peshawar

In the third ODI between Pakistan and West Indies, only two batters passed 40. Viv Richards stood out with a 39-ball 66, featuring five fours and four sixes, leading West Indies to a 40-run victory and a 2-1 series lead en route to winning the series 3-2.

1992 – John Wright Milestone

During the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Moratuwa, John Wright became the first New Zealander to reach 5,000 Test runs. He spent over five hours and 222 balls to score 14 in the second innings—a painstakingly slow but record-setting innings, later outdone in style by Andrew Jones.

1906 – Birth of Eric Dalton

South African allrounder Eric Dalton was born today. Touring England in 1929 as a 22-year-old, Dalton impressed as an attacking middle-order batter. In 1935, he scored 1,446 runs at 37.07, including his first Test century at The Oval, helping South Africa to a famous victory at Lord’s. He later excelled in golf while maintaining a notable cricket legacy.

1991 – India’s Heavy Defeat in Brisbane

India suffered a meek surrender in the first Test against Australia at the Gabba, losing by ten wickets. Australian pacers Craig McDermott, Merv Hughes, and Mike Whitney shared all 20 wickets, exploiting a fast, bouncy pitch. The match also marked the first time a match referee—former England captain MJK Smith—was used in a Test.

2023 – Adelaide Strikers Retain WBBL Title

The Adelaide Strikers defended a modest total to secure back-to-back WBBL titles, defeating Brisbane Heat by three runs at home. Heat, led by Jess Jonasson, fell short despite a tense final over. Tahlia McGrath’s two wickets in the 13th over shifted momentum, and Amanda Jade Wellington held her nerve to deny the last-ball boundary.

1970 – England Begin Ashes Campaign

England kicked off their Ashes tour with a draw in Brisbane. After Australia posted 418 for 3, England lost 7 for 15 but managed a steady reply. Colin Cowdrey passed Wally Hammond’s record of 7,249 Test runs, drawing attention during a tightly contested match.

1945 – Alan “Froggy” Thomson

Australian fast bowler Alan Thomson, born today, claimed the first-ever wicket in a One-Day International, catching Geoff Boycott at the MCG during the 1970-71 season. Known for his “pyjama circus” style, Thomson also played four Tests against England that winter.

Last updated on: December 1, 2025