1908
Birth of a boy christened Donald George, who went on to become the biggest name in the sport. Don Bradman's feats don't need much repeating; in his case, bare statistics are enough, culminating in an astounding Test batting average of 99.94. He fell short of that figure in years, but not by much, when he died in February 2001.

1973
In his last Test at Lord's, Garry Sobers held his sixth catch in the match, equalling what was then a Test record for a non-wicketkeeper. A great close fielder close to the stumps, he held 109 catches in his 93 Tests, to go with his 8032 runs and 235 wickets. In that 1973 Lord's Test, he also made the last of his 26 Test centuries. West Indies won by the huge margin of an innings and 226 runs to take the series 2-0.

1974
One of the few Christians to play Test cricket for Pakistan was born. Yousuf Youhana adds some steel to a talented Test batting order, averaging 47.80 in his 39 matches so far. He followed his two centuries against England in 2000-01 with his first double-hundred: 203 against New Zealand at Christchurch.

1965
Birth of Zimbabwe Test wicketkeeper Wayne James, who made a world record 13 dismissals for Matabeleland v Mashonaland CD at Bulawayo in 1995-96. Just in case anyone felt he hadn't quite stamped himself on the match, he also hit 99 and 99 not out.

1979
South Africa's brilliant big-hitting allrounder Mike Procter equalled a world record that still stands by hitting six consecutive sixes, spread over two overs, off Somerset's Dennis Breakwell at Taunton. Talking of six in a row, in 1970-71 Procter became the last of only three batsmen (the others were CB Fry and Don Bradman) to hit six consecutive centuries, another first-class record. Bowling at a furious pace "off the wrong foot", he took 26 wickets at only 13.57 in the 4-0 win over Australia in 1969-70, South Africa's last series until 1991-92.

1916
Birth of South African double international Tony Harris, whose Test career was delayed by the Second World War. Before it, he made his name as one of the great running fly-halves in world rugby, masterminding the Springboks' famous series win in New Zealand in 1937.

1969
England allrounder Mark Ealham was born. Not a conspicuous success at Test level, he made his mark by taking 5 for 15 against Zimbabwe at Kimberley in 1999-2000, the best figures for England in one-day internationals. All five of his victims were lbw, an ODI record for any country. His father Alan, who captained Kent, was one of the best outfielders of his day.

Other birthdays
1946 Tony Howard (West Indies)
1947 John Morrison (New Zealand)
1970 Andy Bichel (Australia)
1970 Mark Ilott (England)

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