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1981

One of the most iconic comebacks in Test history reached its climax at Headingley. A day after Ian Botham‘s unbeaten 145 had reignited hope, it was Bob Willis’ turn to write his name into folklore. Charging in from the Kirkstall Lane End like a man possessed, Willis tore through the Australian batting, taking 8 for 43 — including three wickets in 11 balls before lunch. England sealed an 18-run win, becoming the first team since 1895 to win after following on. But you wouldn’t have guessed the magnitude of the feat from Willis’ famously lifeless post-match interview — as if he’d just broken the family dog’s favorite toy.

1945

Barry Richards was born — a genius with the bat, robbed of a long Test career by South Africa’s isolation. He still made his mark in just four Tests against Australia, averaging 72.57 and smashing a blistering ton in Durban. A dominant force in domestic cricket, he scored mountains of runs for Hampshire and South Australia — including a jaw-dropping 325 runs in a single day during a 356-run knock in Perth.

2005

The Ashes summer kicked off with a bang at Lord’s. Steve Harmison set the tone early, leaving Justin Langer bruised and Ricky Ponting bloodied en route to 5 for 43. Australia were shot out for 190, but Glenn McGrath hit back hard — taking 5 for 2 in just 31 balls and reaching his 500th Test wicket. Australia won the opener by 239 runs. It was only the beginning of an unforgettable series.

2013

England went 2-0 up in the Ashes with a thumping 347-run win at Lord’s. Joe Root stole the show, becoming the youngest Englishman to score a Test hundred at the ground. He also chipped in with the ball, removing Khawaja and Clarke — Australia’s only batters to reach fifty in the second innings. It wasn’t as tense as Trent Bridge, but just as dominant.

2014

A moment to remember — India’s first win at Lord’s since 1986. Ishant Sharma unleashed a barrage of short balls, grabbing 7 for 74 to trigger a collapse as England crumbled from 173 for 4 to 223 all out, chasing 319. Reckless pull shots and mounting pressure on captain Alastair Cook marked the end of England’s tenth consecutive Test without a win.

1990

Jason Roy was born in South Africa. Years later, he would become a cornerstone of England’s white-ball revolution. He smashed a T20 century for Surrey on debut, made his maiden ODI hundred in 2015, and helped England set a world-record ODI total of 481. His aggressive flair helped England win the 2019 World Cup, though his red-ball stint in the Ashes that year was forgettable. By 2023, he had transitioned fully to T20 leagues, including a jaw-dropping 145* off 63 balls for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.

1934

Chandu Borde, India’s dependable allrounder, was born. A calm batter and handy legspinner, he scored over 3,000 Test runs and took 52 wickets. Against England in 1961-62, he top-scored in both innings and took four wickets in a win in Calcutta. His unbeaten 177 against Pakistan in Madras was one of his five Test centuries.

1994

South Africa returned to Lord’s for their first Test in England in 29 years. It was a deeply emotional moment — Gary Kirsten and Andrew Hudson received a standing ovation. Hudson nervously padded up first ball, while Kirsten and Kepler Wessels built a 106-run stand. Wessels became South Africa’s first Lord’s centurion in 39 years, and later led them to their first win at the ground in nearly six decades.

1979

Graham Gooch lit up the Benson & Hedges Cup final with a powerful 120 for Essex — the first century in the competition’s final. Gooch would go on to dominate the tournament’s record books with the most runs, most Gold Awards, and the highest score.

1984

In another B&H final, Lancashire’s captain John Abrahams made a duck and took one catch, yet still won Man of the Match — thanks to his inspired leadership throughout the tournament. Lancashire rolled Warwickshire for 139 and cruised to a six-wicket win.

1947

Chetan Chauhan, Sunil Gavaskar’s trusted opening partner, was born. Though he never scored a Test century, he passed 2000 runs and shared ten 100-run stands with Gavaskar. Their partnership of 213 at The Oval in 1979 remains legendary — Chauhan batted for over five hours for his 80, while Gavaskar scored 221.

2001

England’s fielding nightmare unfolded at Lord’s. Adam Gilchrist made a rapid 90, but not before being dropped four times — all off Darren Gough, who looked devastated. Australia stormed to a 2-0 series lead the next day, and England’s focus shifted from Ashes glory to damage control.

1934

Bodyline made a last, ugly appearance. At Old Trafford, Bill Voce bowled a brutal spell, hitting Lancashire opener Jack Iddon twice in four overs. Iddon had to be carried off, and Voce was pulled from the attack. Harold Larwood, returning from injury, stuck to conventional lines.

1995

A rare blip for Brian Lara. He registered the first pair of his career in a tour match against Kent, falling both times to Julian Thompson. The humiliation seemed to fuel him — he went on to score 583 runs in the next three Tests.

2000

Muttiah Muralitharan tormented South Africa in Galle. On a dry, turning pitch, he took 6 for 87, dismantling a batting line-up that never looked comfortable. Only Daryll Cullinan resisted, with a gritty 114*, later calling his knock against Murali “a lottery.”

1945

Australia’s Geoff Dymock was born. A left-arm seamer with solid control, he debuted late but made an impact. His highlight came in India in 1979-80, where he took 24 wickets in four Tests — including 12 in Kanpur — despite being nearly 35 years old.

1895

Nummy Deane, South Africa’s steady and tactical captain in the late 1920s, was born. Known for his leadership, he helped salvage drawn series against England. He famously added 214 with Herbie Taylor at The Oval in 1929, scoring a brave 93 under pressure.

1988

Chris Cowdrey became England’s third Test captain in one chaotic summer. After Mike Gatting was sacked and John Emburey failed to steady the ship, Cowdrey — son of Colin Cowdrey — took charge. England still lost to West Indies by ten wickets at Headingley, and Cowdrey never played Test cricket again.

1886

England defeated Australia by an innings at Lord’s — their last such win at the ground for the next 48 years. Johnny Briggs took 6 for 45 to seal the historic result.

1884

The first-ever Test match at Lord’s began. Australia were bowled out for 229, and England ended day one at 90 for 3. Allan Steel would go on to score 148 and George Ulyett took 7 for 36, leading England to an innings victory.

1863

Aubrey Smith was born — a one-Test England captain who later became a successful Hollywood actor. Known for his eccentric run-up, “Round the Corner” Smith led England to victory in South Africa’s inaugural Test in 1889.

1975

Ravindra Pushpakumara was born. Once hyped as Chaminda Vaas’ perfect new-ball partner, his promise faded on subcontinental pitches. He ended with 58 wickets in 23 Tests, averaging nearly 39.

Last updated on: July 27, 2025