Cricketers Born on December 8

Virat SinghIN
Virat Singh

28y / 1997

Batsman

Ian GreigENG
Ian Greig

70y / 1955

Batsman

Warren StottNZ
Warren Stott

79y / 1946

Batsman

Geoff HurstENG
Geoff Hurst

84y / 1941

Wicket-keeper batsman

Charles LeslieENG
Charles Leslie

164y / 1861

Batsman

Hemant Kanitkar IndiaIN
Hemant Kanitkar India

83y / 1942

Wicket-keeper batsman

George FullertonZA
George Fullerton

103y / 1922

Batsman

Buster FarrerZA
Buster Farrer

89y / 1936

Batsman

Ian JohnsonAU
Ian Johnson

108y / 1917

All-rounder

Peter ParfittENG
Peter Parfitt

89y / 1936

Batsman

Tim PaineAU
Tim Paine

41y / 1984

Wicket-keeper batsman

Ernie ToshackAU
Ernie Toshack

111y / 1914

Batsman

Player Info

2011 – Sehwag’s Explosive Double Century

Less than two years after Sachin Tendulkar became the first man to score an ODI double, Virender Sehwag smashed 219 against West Indies in Indore, reportedly humming Hindi film songs while at the crease. His innings came off 149 balls, with the 200 arriving as early as the 44th over. Sehwag took calculated risks, survived two dropped catches, and guided India to their highest ODI total of 418. He was eventually caught in the deep in the 47th over and did not return to field, though India faced little resistance from West Indies. Sehwag’s record stood as the highest ODI score for three years until Rohit Sharma surpassed it in 2014.

1914 – Birth of an Unsung Invincible

Left-arm medium-pacer Ernie Toshack, born this day, played a crucial role in Australia’s famed 1948 “Invincibles” squad that dominated England 4-0. Tall and rugged, Toshack was nicknamed The Black Prince by teammates. He featured in the first four Tests of the tour, including a notable 5 for 40 in the second innings at Lord’s.

1984 – Tim Paine’s Journey Begins

Born on this day, Tim Paine burst onto the international scene in 2009 as a promising Australian wicketkeeper. He scored 111 in just his seventh ODI against England, but injuries to his right index finger disrupted his career. Paine returned to Test cricket in 2017 and became captain in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in 2018. He retained the Ashes in 2019 but eventually stepped down before the 2021–22 series.

1959 – Eisenhower Watches a Test

The only American president to watch a Test match in person, Dwight Eisenhower visited Karachi as Pakistan faced Richie Benaud’s Australians. Hanif Mohammad scored a patient hundred, while Intikhab Alam took a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket, marking a memorable day despite the understated spectacle.

1987 – Gatting-Rana Controversy

In Faisalabad, Mike Gatting and umpire Shakoor Rana clashed in one of cricket’s most infamous disputes, losing a day’s play as both parties argued and were published worldwide, becoming a defining moment in cricket diplomacy.

1989 – Tom Moody’s Record Century

On this day, Tom Moody, towering at 6’8”, scored a hundred for Australia against Sri Lanka in Brisbane, a remarkable feat complemented by Aravinda de Silva’s marathon 167, which ensured a draw for Sri Lanka.

1936 – Peter Parfitt

Born today, Peter Parfitt became a key left-handed batter for England, scoring seven Test centuries and excelling as a slip fielder. He later became a genial pub landlord and corporate host, known for his storytelling and cricketing insight.

1927 – Jack Meyer’s Incredible Bowling

Englishman Jack Meyer took 16 wickets for 188 runs in the Bombay Pentangular Tournament, an extraordinary performance in Indian domestic cricket. He later became famous for founding Millfield School.

1917 – Ian Johnson

Australian off-spinner Ian Johnson, born on this day, achieved the Test double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. He captained Australia in 1956 and later served as a secretary of the Melbourne Cricket Club.

2021 – Pakistan Dominates Bangladesh

Rain could not save Bangladesh from a series loss at home as Sajid Khan’s 12 wickets secured an innings victory in Dhaka. Bangladesh briefly threatened a draw, but a collapse to 87 ended their hopes.

1961 – Jackie McGlew’s Resilience

South Africa captain Jackie McGlew carried his bat for 127 against New Zealand in Durban. Despite a second-innings collapse, South Africa narrowly won, aided by Peter Pollock’s 6-for debut.

1992 – Low-Scoring ODI Thriller

In a rain-shortened 30-over ODI in Sydney, Australia were bowled out for 101, and West Indies fell for 87. Mark Taylor, in his first match as captain, stood out for his leadership and exceptional fielding.

1964 – England’s Series-Winning First Test

Centuries from Ken Barrington and Jim Parks propelled England to 485 for 5 in Durban. South Africa were dismissed for 155 and 226, handing England an innings victory and a series lead, with the remaining Tests drawn.

Last updated on: December 8, 2025