Cricketers Born on December 5

Maia BouchierENG
Maia Bouchier

27y / 1998

Batsman

Khaleel AhmedIN
Khaleel Ahmed

28y / 1997

Bowler

Laura MarshENG
Laura Marsh

39y / 1986

Batsman

Kester SylvesterWI
Kester Sylvester

52y / 1973

Wicket-keeper batsman

Geeshe LudwigNL
Geeshe Ludwig

58y / 1967

Batsman

Nasum AhmedBD
Nasum Ahmed

31y / 1994

All-rounder

Enamul Haque jnrBD
Enamul Haque jnr

39y / 1986

Bowler

Mark DekkerZW
Mark Dekker

56y / 1969

Batsman

Matt HorneNZ
Matt Horne

55y / 1970

Batsman

Shikhar DhawanIN
Shikhar Dhawan

40y / 1985

Batsman

Player Info

1988 – Merv Hughes’ Heroics Overshadowed by West Indies Dominance

Merv Hughes produced one of the finest individual performances of his career during the second Test in Perth, claiming a remarkable 13 for 217. His hat-trick was one of the most unusual in Test history—spread across three overs and two innings. He dismissed Curtly Ambrose with the final ball of his 36th over, Patrick Patterson with the first ball of his next over to end the West Indies’ first innings, and then trapped Gordon Greenidge first ball of the second innings. Despite his bravery and skill, the West Indies were always ahead in the game. Viv Richards’ explosive 146 off 150 balls set the tone, and they wrapped up a commanding 169-run win on the final day.

1928 – England’s Rare Victory in Australia

England victories in Australia are never easy, making their win at Brisbane’s Exhibition Ground in the opening Test of the 1928–29 series even more significant. Australia began the final day on 17 for 1, chasing an impossible 742, and collapsed for just 66. A young Don Bradman, making his debut, scored 18 and 1—and was dropped for the only time in his international career immediately afterward.

1964 – Ken Barrington Sets a New Benchmark

Ken Barrington enjoyed a landmark day in Durban, becoming the first batter to score Test hundreds against six different nations. His unbeaten 148 against South Africa paved the way for an England innings victory. Their spinners—Fred Titmus, David Allen, and Bob Barber—combined for 15 wickets to complete the job.

1994 – Jimmy Adams’ Golden Run Continues

The second Test between West Indies and India in Nagpur saw Jimmy Adams extend his red-hot form. Nicknamed “Padams” for his clever footwork, he scored 125* and 23, following strong contributions in the first Test. He continued this form into the third Test with scores of 174* and 78*.
On a slow, turning surface, Adams and Carl Hooper ensured the West Indies survived the final day, keeping alive their 15-year unbeaten series streak—one they preserved with a dominant win in the next Test.

1985 – The Fastest Test Century on Debut is Born

Shikhar Dhawan, born on this day, eventually became the fastest man to score a century on Test debut. After years of waiting behind Sehwag and Gambhir, he announced himself with a blistering 187 off 174 balls against Australia in Mohali. He later struck centuries in New Zealand, and despite struggles on tours of England and Australia, starred in the 2015 World Cup with 412 runs. Dhawan also became just the third Indian opener to score back-to-back overseas Test hundreds, including another run feast against Sri Lanka in 2017.

2022 – England Rewrite Test Cricket History

On a flat Rawalpindi pitch, England smashed 506 runs on the opening day—the first team ever to reach 500 on day one of a Test. Crawley, Pope, Duckett, and Brook all scored centuries. Pakistan responded strongly with 579, and the match seemed destined for a draw until England declared boldly. On the final day, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson shared eight wickets, and with minutes left, Jack Leach removed the last man to secure a dramatic England win.

1958 – England’s Ashes Ambitions Collapse Early

England arrived in Australia for the 1958–59 Ashes with one of their strongest squads on paper. But the tour derailed instantly. In the first Test at Brisbane, Peter May won the toss and batted on a green pitch—only to see England skittled for 134. The tone was set, and England slumped to a 0–4 series defeat.

1970 – Birth of Matthew Horne, NZ’s Attacking Opener

Matthew Horne, born on this day, became known for his aggressive style at the top for New Zealand. His century at Lord’s in 1999 helped secure a historic series win. Though he scored three other Test hundreds, inconsistency saw his appearances fade. He played 50 ODIs but never converted his five fifties into a century. Horne retired from first-class cricket in 2006.

1996 – England’s Nightmare Zimbabwe Tour Continues

England’s difficult tour of Zimbabwe deepened with a seven-wicket loss to Mashonaland. The defeat stung even more because James Kirtley—who later played for England—took 7 for 87 in the match.

1990 – A Bright Day for 17-Year-Old Sachin Tendulkar

India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in Poona, powered by a young Sachin Tendulkar’s first ODI fifty. He also contributed two wickets, two catches, and a run-out. Despite a rapid 58 off 27 from Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka managed only 227, which India chased with nearly four overs to spare.

1969 – Mark Dekker’s Dramatic Test Moment

Zimbabwe’s Mark Dekker, born today, produced a memorable performance in Pakistan in 1992–93. In only his second Test, he carried his bat in Rawalpindi and scored 68 in each innings, forming century stands both times.Despite his efforts, Zimbabwe collapsed while chasing 240, falling from 135 for 1 to 187 all out.

1986 – Birth of Anamul Haque Jr., Bangladesh’s Left-Arm Spinner

Anamul Haque Jr. emerged in 2003 as support for Mohammad Rafique and impressed against England early on. His best performances came against Zimbabwe, taking 18 wickets in two Tests in 2006. However, with other left-arm spinners rising, he slipped out of the team and briefly returned in 2013 before an injury halted his comeback.

1994 – Birth of Nasum Ahmed, Bangladesh’s T20 Specialist

Nasum Ahmed rose to prominence in the 2020s as a key T20 spinner for Bangladesh. He played crucial roles in series wins over Australia and New Zealand, taking 4 for 19 and 4 for 10 respectively. He debuted in ODIs in 2022 and impressed with five wickets from two matches, repeating the feat later when West Indies toured Bangladesh.

1984 – Mike Gatting Begins a Successful India Tour

Mike Gatting launched what became a highly successful India tour with an unbeaten 115 in the first ODI in Pune. England went on to win both the Test series (2–1) and the ODI series (4–1), with Gatting scoring a long-awaited maiden Test hundred and later a double century in Madras.

Last updated on: December 5, 2025