Historic Cricket Moments on November 23

Historic Cricket Moments on November 23

Cricketers Born on November 23

Navdeep SainiIN
Navdeep Saini

33y / 1992

Bowler

Dhiman GhoshBD
Dhiman Ghosh

38y / 1987

Wicket-keeper batsman

Kapila WijegunawardeneLK
Kapila Wijegunawardene

61y / 1964

Bowler

Jayananda WarnaweeraLK
Jayananda Warnaweera

65y / 1960

Batsman

Martin KentAU
Martin Kent

72y / 1953

Batsman

Ken EastwoodAU
Ken Eastwood

90y / 1935

Batsman

Frank HearneZA
Frank Hearne

67y / 1958

Batsman

Arran BrindleENG
Arran Brindle

44y / 1981

All-rounder

Walter ReadENG
Walter Read

140y / 1885

Batsman

Bruce EdgarNZ
Bruce Edgar

69y / 1956

Wicket-keeper batsman

Martin SneddenNZ
Martin Snedden

67y / 1958

Bowler

Merv HughesAU
Merv Hughes

64y / 1961

Bowler

Gary KirstenZA
Gary Kirsten

58y / 1967

Batsman

Player Info

1967 – Birth of Gary Kirsten

Gary Kirsten, born today, became one of the finest openers of his era through determination and skill. He debuted for South Africa in Australia in 1993, making 67 and 41 in a thrilling Sydney Test. His first Test century came two years later, but he soon showed his appetite for big scores, including a record-equalling 275 against England in 1999. Kirsten was also the first South African to surpass 5,000 Test runs. After retiring, he coached at the Warriors and later founded an academy in Cape Town. As India’s coach from 2007, he led the team to the No. 1 Test ranking and a 2011 World Cup triumph before taking charge of South Africa.

1961 – Birth of Merv Hughes

Australian legend Merv Hughes, born today, was as famous for his moustache and personality as for his bowling. A cult hero, Hughes took 212 Test wickets and produced memorable performances, including 13 wickets against West Indies in 1988-89, featuring a hat-trick across two innings. Known for his cheeky slower “balloons” and hard-hitting batting, he became a fan favorite and later served as a selector.

1974 – Clem Jones and the Gabba Controversy

In a curious case of politics in sport, eight days before the first Test between England and Australia, Brisbane mayor Clem Jones sacked the Gabba curator over pitch preparation. Jones personally oversaw the work, and Australia went on to win by 166 runs, eventually taking the series 4-1. A stand at the Gabba now bears his name.

1996 – India vs South Africa, Ahmedabad

India pulled off a thrilling 64-run victory in a low-scoring Test. Fanie de Villiers’ unbeaten 67 gave South Africa a first-innings lead, but debutant VVS Laxman’s 51 helped India chase a target of 170. Javagal Srinath’s six-wicket haul (6 for 21) destroyed the chase as six South African batters failed to score, leaving captain Hansie Cronje frustrated with the facilities.

1958 – Birth of Martin Snedden

New Zealand seamer Martin Snedden, born today, was a steady performer in the 1980s. He grabbed a career-best 5 for 68 against West Indies in 1986-87, helping New Zealand secure a series draw. Though his ODI spells included some costly outings, he later became the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket.

1956 – Birth of Bruce Edgar

Classy left-hander Bruce Edgar, born today, played 39 Tests for New Zealand. His standout innings include a seven-hour 127 in Auckland (1979-80) that secured a series-clinching draw against the West Indies. Edgar retired at 29 after New Zealand’s victorious 1986 England tour.

1855 – Birth of Walter Read

Walter Read, born today, was Test cricket’s top-scoring No. 10. Angered at being sent low in the order, he blasted 117 in just two hours against Australia in 1884. His 151-run ninth-wicket partnership with William Scotton remains England’s highest in Ashes Tests. Read also scored over 20,000 first-class runs for Surrey.

1981 – Birth of Arran Brindle

England’s Arran Brindle, born today, made a remarkable international comeback in 2011 after nearly six years away. She scored her maiden ODI century against South Africa and had earlier made a Test hundred against Australia, with a half-century in India. She accumulated 186 runs in six matches during the 2005 World Cup.

1991 – Birth of Ahmed Shehzad

Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad, born today, debuted in first-class cricket at 15 and opened for Pakistan in ODIs by 17. He scored his first ODI hundred in 2011 against New Zealand and made a record 111* in T20Is against Bangladesh in 2014. Shehzad also notched a memorable 176 in Tests against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. Despite setbacks, including a doping ban in 2018, he returned to limited-overs cricket and continued to make notable contributions.

Last updated on: November 23, 2025