on this day

1940

One of the most recognisable figures in Test cricket is born. David Shepherd never played Tests (although he was once prominent with Gloucestershire) - but he took charge in 92 of them. He was also the only umpire to have officiated in six World Cups (1983-2003), including three finals. Some of his superstitions became part of the fabric of cricket, especially the gull-like one-legged stance and assorted hops and skips when a team scored the dreaded Nelsons of 111, 222, 333 and so on. He died in 2009 at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer.

1968

Another high-class Australian pace bowler achieved his best innings figures in Test cricket: Graham "Garth" McKenzie took 8 for 71 against West Indies in Melbourne, as Australia romped to an innings win.

1982

Another eight-wicket haul, this time by Imran Khan, whose 8 for 60 wrecked India's second innings to give Pakistan their then-biggest win against India - by an innings and 86 runs - in Karachi. Pakistan put India in and bowled them out for 169 (the only real resistance coming from Kapil Dev), and then piled up a huge total, with Zaheer Abbas and Mudassar Nazar adding 213 for the fifth wicket. Pakistan's victory was achieved with a day to spare. Imran finished with match figures of 11 for 79, which took him past 200 wickets in Tests.

 

on this day

1940 One of the most recognisable figures in Test cricket is born. David Shepherd never played Tests (although he was once prominent with Gloucestershire) - but he took charge in 92 of them. He was also the only umpire to have officiated in six World Cups (1983-2003), including three finals. Some of his superstitions became part of the fabric of cricket, especially the gull-like one-legged stance and assorted hops and skips when a team scored the dreaded Nelsons of 111, 222, 333 and so on. He died in 2009 at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. 1968 Another high-class Australian pace bowler achieved his best innings figures in Test cricket: Graham Garth McKenzie took 8 for 71 against West Indies in Melbourne, as Australia romped to an innings win. 1982 Another eight-wicket haul, this time by Imran Khan, whose 8 for 60 wrecked Indias second innings to give Pakistan their then-biggest win against India - by an innings and 86 runs - in Karachi. Pakistan put India in and bowled them out for 169 (the only real resistance coming from Kapil Dev), and then piled up a huge total, with Zaheer Abbas and Mudassar Nazar adding 213 for the fifth wicket. Pakistans victory was achieved with a day to spare. Imran finished with match figures of 11 for 79, which took him past 200 wickets in Tests.