1969
The day David slayed Goliath. West Indies against Ireland looked to be a mismatch to equal Claudia Schiffer falling for David Copperfield. But thanks to the luck of the Irish, or whatever, the crowd at Londonderry witnessed an astonishing day's play. The match was a one-day, two-innings affair, which in the event of a draw would be won by the team which led on first innings. With five of the players who'd just drawn the Lord's Test, West Indies were demolished for just 25. Ireland's captain Dougie Goodwin took 5 for 6, and Alec O'Riordan 4 for 18. The Windies set out for a jolly thrash, bit were soon 12 for 9, before a sterling last-wicket stand of 13. Then after Ireland made 125 for 8, the Windies slipped to 2 for 2 before salvaging some pride. Goodwin's match figures were an astonishing 14.5-9-7-7.

1966
The beginning of a momentous innings from Basil Butcher. In the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Butcher came to the crease with West Indies 65 for 2 in their second innings, still 35 behind England. He was still there eight hours later, having made a superb 209 not out. It took West Indies to 483 for 5 declared, and eventually to a 139-run victory.

1954
Denis Compton's highest Test innings. Pakistan felt the full force of Compton's Brylcreem-sleek strokeplay at Trent Bridge as he carted them for 278 in less than five hours. It was imperious stuff, including a six and 33 fours. And with Bob Appleyard chipping in with seven wickets, England won comfortably by an innings.

1959
A landmark day at Headingley for Peter May, who equalled Frank Woolley's record of 52 consecutive Test appearances. May then missed the next game. The record has been shattered many times over since, and Allan Border now leads the way with 153. In this match, England walloped India by an innings and 173 runs. Their second-innings destroyer was the unlikely figure of Brian Close, who took a Test-best 4 for 35 with his brisk offspin.

1951
A memorable day for Worcestershire wicketkeeper Hugo Yarnold at Dundee. He made six stumpings against Scotland, a first-class record that still stands.

Other birthdays

1882 Edgar Mayne (Australia)
1907 Leo O'Brien (Australia)
1934 Ivan Madray (West Indies)

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