Born on this day, VVS Laxman transformed his career forever during the iconic Kolkata Test of March 2001. Once seen as an underachiever with an average below 30, he produced a majestic 281-run masterpiece that helped India turn the tables on Australia and end their 16-match winning streak. That innings became a cornerstone of Indian cricket history. Laxman’s love affair with Australia didn’t stop there — a superb 148 in Adelaide (2003-04) guided another memorable win, and by 2008, he became only the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to score over 2000 runs against Australia. Even when battling injury, his spirit shone — like the 73 in Mohali (2010)* that sealed a one-wicket victory. After a dip in form during 2011-12, the elegant right-hander bid farewell to cricket in August 2012.

Born on this day, Sherwin Campbell was one of the West Indies’ most entertaining openers — bold, fearless, and unpredictable. His aggressive stroke play could destroy any attack, as seen in his 82 at Lord’s (2000), but inconsistency proved his undoing. A rollercoaster run in New Zealand (170, 0, 0, 3, 51, 0, 0) summed up his career. Despite flashes of brilliance, Campbell was dropped after the 2000-01 Australia tour and never returned — a talent that perhaps never fully bloomed.

Victoria’s Will Pucovski and Marcus Harris rewrote history, smashing a 30-year-old record for the biggest partnership in Sheffield Shield history. Their colossal 486-run opening stand against South Australia surpassed the Waugh brothers’ 464*. Pucovski, opening for the first time in first-class cricket, remained unbeaten on 255, while Harris added 239 — a statement of dominance and discipline.

In Antigua, a hyped-up T20 turned out to be one of the most underwhelming contests in cricket history. The Stanford Superstars (a West Indies XI) crushed England by 10 wickets after bowling them out for just 99. The match was part of Texan billionaire Allen Stanford’s “20/20 for $20 million” venture. However, the dream crumbled when Stanford was later charged with large-scale financial fraud, ending the short-lived partnership with England and West Indies cricket.

Umpire Aleem Dar achieved another remarkable milestone, standing in his 210th ODI, breaking Rudi Koertzen’s record. By then, Dar already held records for the most Test matches (145) and most internationals (448) officiated — a true testament to consistency and excellence in umpiring.

Born on this day, Akram Khan, one of Bangladesh’s early cricketing leaders, captained his country in 15 ODIs during the mid-1990s. His proudest moment came as part of the side that won the 1997 ICC Trophy, securing Bangladesh’s first-ever World Cup berth. Known for his power hitting and calm leadership, Akram retired in 2003 and later served as a national selector, continuing his contribution to Bangladesh cricket.

Tom Walker, born in 1762, is credited as one of the first to experiment with roundarm bowling. Known for his pace and innovation, Walker’s bowling was so unconventional that a law was created to restrict his “jerking” action. In 46 first-class matches between 1801 and 1810, he claimed 41 wickets and scored over a thousand runs — a true cricketing trailblazer.

Born in 1865, Monty Bowden remains England’s youngest-ever Test captain, leading at just 23 years old during a match in Cape Town (1889). After the tour, he stayed in South Africa, ventured into business, and later joined Cecil Rhodes’ expedition to Rhodesia. Tragically, Bowden died young — at just 26 — after falling from a cart. He was buried in a coffin made of whisky cases, protected from lions outside a mud hut hospital.

Pakistan clinched the Nehru Cup after a thrilling chase against the West Indies in Kolkata. With three runs needed from two balls, Wasim Akram smashed Viv Richards’ delivery for a towering six over midwicket, sealing victory in spectacular fashion. Earlier, Desmond Haynes had anchored the West Indies innings with a superb 107, but Pakistan’s aggressive approach — led by Salim Malik’s 71 off 62 balls — ensured a dramatic finish.