

116y / 1910

Batsman


57y / 1969

Batsman


61y / 1965


All-rounder


76y / 1950

Batsman


84y / 1942

Batsman


104y / 1922


Wicket-keeper batsman


116y / 1910

Batsman


54y / 1972

Bowler


39y / 1987


All-rounder


44y / 1982


All-rounder


55y / 1971

Batsman


45y / 1981

Batsman
While defeats were inevitable during a rebuilding phase, Smith kept piling on runs at the top. Painful moments followed — a 3–0 Test loss to Australia in 2006 and a heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit in 2007. But the turning point came with a 2–1 home series win over India in 2006–07. Under Smith, South Africa went on a golden run, conquering Pakistan, Bangladesh (highlighted by a record 415-run opening stand with Neil McKenzie), England, and famously Australia away in 2008. By 2012, South Africa were the No.1 Test side in the world. Smith retired in 2014 after a home series defeat to Australia, leaving behind a towering legacy.
Australia won, but the spirit of the game lost badly. The tactic caused global outrage and was swiftly banned. Ian Chappell, commentating at the time, summed it up perfectly: “No Greg, you can’t do that.”
Against all odds, the pair hung on, saving the Test and keeping the series alive — which Australia eventually won. One of the game’s great acts of survival.
The second innings was even worse, and Australia cruised to a nine-wicket win. England finished the series winless — their first such failure in Australia since 1958–59.
His fearless 25-ball 45 against Pakistan in the 1996 World Cup quarter-final remains iconic, including 22 runs off a single over from Waqar Younis. A sharp fielder and clever finisher, Jadeja also once claimed 3 for 3 against England in Sharjah.
Despite a brief ban in 2010, Malik returned to script one of his finest moments — a stunning 245 against England in Abu Dhabi in 2015. He retired from Tests soon after to focus on white-ball cricket.
Centuries from Annabel Sutherland and Beth Mooney ensured England never recovered, marking their first 16–0 multi-format Ashes defeat.
Last updated on: February 2, 2026