June 24 holds a special place in cricket history with numerous iconic moments. From Sri Lanka's last-ball Test victory at Headingley in 2014 to Stuart Broad's Ashes magic, this day has seen thrilling feats. It also marks the first televised Test match in 1938 and Multan Sultans' dramatic PSL win in 2021. Dive into these and other unforgettable cricketing events that have occurred on this remarkable day.
1938: The First Televised Test Match
On this day in 1938, the cricket world witnessed a historic event—the first-ever televised Test match between England and Australia at Lord's. The broadcast was a technological marvel of its time, bringing the game into homes and allowing fans to see the action live. The Cricketer magazine noted the electric atmosphere and how the ground looked splendid under the warm sun. This game, which was part of a five-match series, ended in a high-scoring draw, with Wally Hammond’s remarkable 240 propelling England to 494 in their first innings. Though trailing 1-0 in the series, England managed to tie it by winning the final Test at The Oval.
1941: Birth of Graham "Garth" McKenzie
Born on this day in 1941, Graham "Garth" McKenzie became one of Australia’s most reliable seamers. Over his career, he took 246 Test wickets. McKenzie made a sensational debut at Lord's in 1961, claiming five wickets for 37 runs in the second innings, a feat achieved on his 20th birthday. Known for his gentle demeanour and graceful action, McKenzie excelled on flat pitches, notably taking 42 wickets in India and Pakistan at an average of 19. He was a pivotal match-winner, with his best performances coming in Australian victories. After retiring, McKenzie moved to Johannesburg after marrying a South African.
1960: The Only Lord's Test Hat-Trick
Geoff Griffin of South Africa etched his name in cricketing lore on this day in 1960 by taking the only Test hat-trick at Lord's. In just his second Test, Griffin dismissed MJK Smith, Peter Walker, and Fred Trueman with successive deliveries. However, this achievement was bittersweet as it also marked the end of his Test career. Griffin was no-balled for throwing 11 times during the game and had previously faced similar accusations. After this match, he never bowled again in Tests and did not return to the bowling crease on that tour.
1968: Australia’s Lowest Lord's Score of the 20th Century
In 1968, Australia was bowled out for just 78 at Lord's, their lowest total at the venue in the 20th century. Contrary to expectations, it wasn’t the feared duo of John Snow and Derek Underwood who led the assault but David Brown and Barry Knight. Brown took five wickets for 42 runs, while Knight chipped in with three for 16. Although rain ultimately saved Australia, Underwood made his mark in the second innings with a miserly spell of 18 overs, conceding only eight runs and taking two wickets.
1985: Vernon Philander’s Birth
Vernon Philander, born on this day in 1985, became the second-fastest bowler to reach 50 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in just seven matches. His Test debut in Cape Town in 2011 saw him taking 5 for 15 against Australia, who were bundled out for a mere 47. Philander continued his impressive start with five-wicket hauls in his first seven Tests. He remained a key figure for South Africa, excelling again in 2018 with standout performances against India and Australia. His ability to swing the ball and his consistency made him one of the leading bowlers in the world during his career.
1986: Stuart Broad’s Birth and His Ashes Heroics
Stuart Broad, born in 1986, has been a mainstay of England's bowling attack. Notable for his memorable performances, he took 8 for 15 against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2015, a spell that helped secure an Ashes victory. This performance made him the fifth England bowler to take 300 Test wickets. Over his career, Broad has had several landmark moments, including a hat-trick at his home ground in 2011 and significant contributions to England's series wins. His batting has also been a thorn for opponents, with a maiden Test a hundred against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010 highlighting his all-round capabilities.
1989: Steve Waugh’s Lord's Masterclass
In 1989, during the third day of the second Test at Lord's, Steve Waugh showcased his batting prowess with a commanding 152. Starting the day on 276 for 6, Australia’s tail wagged, with Waugh forging crucial partnerships, especially a 130-run stand with Geoff Lawson, who scored 74 off 94 balls. This effort put Australia in a dominant position, leading by 242 runs. Despite England’s efforts, including a century from David Gower and a near-century from Robin Smith, Waugh’s innings set the tone for an Australian victory.
2000: Pakistan’s Dominant Win in Galle
On this day in 2000, Pakistan secured a resounding innings victory over Sri Lanka in Galle. Pakistan’s batting lineup fired on all cylinders, with centuries from Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, and Wasim Akram. Akram’s century came off just 88 balls. The bowling attack was equally dominant, with Abdul Razzaq taking a hat-trick at the age of 20 years and 201 days, making him the youngest to achieve this feat in Test cricket.
2014: Sri Lanka’s Historic Win at Headingley
Sri Lanka achieved a historic Test and series win against England at Headingley in 2014. With just the penultimate ball of the match, Shaminda Eranga dismissed James Anderson to seal Sri Lanka’s first series victory in England in a series longer than a single Test. Despite England’s strong position on the second day, a collapse saw them lose 8 for 87. Angelo Mathews' century and Dhammika Prasad’s inspired bowling left England struggling at 57 for 5 while chasing 350. Moeen Ali’s maiden Test century extended the match, but Sri Lanka ultimately emerged victorious, completing a clean sweep of the tour after winning the T20 and ODI series.
2021: Multan Sultans' Remarkable PSL Triumph
In 2021, the Multan Sultans clinched their first Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, completing a remarkable turnaround after being fifth on the points table in the initial leg. They won four consecutive matches in the second leg and then defeated Islamabad United in the qualifier. In the final against Peshawar Zalmi, Multan set a formidable target of 206, thanks to strong performances from Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, Sohaib Maqsood, and Rilee Rossouw. Despite resistance from Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik, Peshawar could only manage 159 for 9. Imran Tahir’s three late wickets sealed the victory for Multan, marking Peshawar's third loss in a PSL final.
Birthdays of Famous Cricket Players
1948: Dave Orchard (South Africa)
1967: Darren Bicknell (England)
1972: Birgit Viguurs (Netherlands)
1974: Avril Fahey (Australia)
1982: Brenton Parchment (West Indies)