Born in 1952, Australian umpire Darrell Hair built a reputation for being firm, fearless, and never far from controversy. Alongside Billy Doctrove, he penalized Pakistan for ball-tampering in 2006, leading to the first-ever forfeited Test. Earlier, he no-balled Muttiah Muralitharan for throwing in Melbourne (1995–96) and later criticized his action in his autobiography. Hair also called Grant Flower for throwing in Bulawayo in 2000–01. Despite overseeing iconic moments such as Brian Lara’s 375, Mike Atherton’s 185, and Courtney Walsh’s 500th wicket, he remains best remembered for the 2006 Oval forfeit. The ICC briefly changed the result to a draw under PCB pressure, before reverting it back to an England win in 2009.

Australian quick Ernie Jones, born in 1869, was the first man to be called for throwing in a Test, against England in 1897–98. Known for his fiery pace, Jones claimed 64 wickets in 19 Tests and famously sent a short ball through WG Grace’s beard at Lord’s in 1899. Despite repeated doubts about his action, cricketing greats like Stanley Jackson defended him. He passed away in 1943.

Born in 1986, Martin Guptill went on to become one of New Zealand’s most destructive openers. He scored his first Test fifty against Pakistan in 2009 and his maiden century versus Bangladesh in 2010. Guptill smashed 189* against England in 2013 – a national ODI record – before surpassing it with a stunning 237* against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup. That remains the highest World Cup score and the second-highest in ODIs. By 2018, after his 180 against South Africa, Guptill held New Zealand’s top three ODI scores.

Allan Rae, born in 1922, played just 15 Tests for West Indies between 1948 and 1953 but left a mark with an average of 46. He shared a record 239-run opening stand with Jeff Stollmeyer in Chennai and scored a match-winning century at Lord’s in 1950, paving the way for West Indies’ first Test win in England. Rae retired early to pursue law, later becoming WICB president from 1981 to 1988.

In 2022, the Jamaica Tallawahs clinched their third CPL title – and first in six years – by defeating Barbados Royals in the final. Spinner Fabian Allen struck early, dismissing the top three, while Nicholson Gordon cleaned up the middle order. Chasing 162, Brandon King’s unbeaten 83, supported by Shamarh Brooks’ 47, sealed a comfortable victory.

Mark Taylor endured a nightmare start as Australia’s Test captain in Karachi in 1994, becoming the first skipper to record a pair on debut when dismissed twice by Waqar Younis. But Pakistan later became a happier hunting ground – in 1998 he scored 334* in Peshawar, equaling Don Bradman’s highest Test score by an Australian before declaring with Brian Lara’s 375 still within reach.

Born in 1946, Paul Sheahan was hailed as a stylish Australian batter. He impressed with 81 on debut in 1967–68 and scored fine centuries in Kanpur (1969–70) and Melbourne (1972–73). However, his inability to consistently occupy the crease limited him to 31 Tests. Despite early promise, he retired at just 27 after the 1973–74 tour of New Zealand.

In 1969, New Zealand collapsed in pursuit of 188 against India in Bombay, bowled out for 127. Bishan Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna shared all 10 wickets, sending down nearly 64 of the 69 overs. The match had been shifted from Ahmedabad due to riots, delaying the city’s debut as a Test venue until 1983.

James Middleton, born in 1865, earned the nickname “Bonnor” for his batting resemblance to Australian power-hitter George Bonnor. A left-arm seamer, he played six Tests for South Africa, taking 24 wickets at 18.41. On debut in 1896, he claimed 9 wickets but still ended up on the losing side against England – a pattern that persisted throughout his short Test career.

Persistent crowd trouble in Karachi forced officials to reduce the 1997 ODI between Pakistan and India to 47 overs a side. Shahid Afridi blasted 72 off 56, but Sourav Ganguly’s calm 89 guided India to victory, leveling the series 1-1 with just three balls to spare.

Born in 1961, Chandrakant Pandit was an attacking wicketkeeper-batter who represented India in five Tests and 36 ODIs during the 1980s and early 90s. Though he couldn’t cement his spot as Syed Kirmani’s successor, Pandit flourished in domestic cricket. Post-retirement, he emerged as one of India’s most successful coaches, guiding Mumbai, Vidarbha, and Madhya Pradesh to Ranji titles. In 2022, he was appointed head coach of IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders.