This Day in History: 24th August

B. S. Chandrasekhar bowls against England

Cricket

1971: India win their first Test match in England. At the Oval cricket ground, the Indian leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar produced an amazing spell of 6 for 38, which helped the Indians bowl out the Englishmen for 108. This was their lowest ever score against India, and the Indians then chased down 173 for the victory.

1973: The legendary West Indian all-rounder Gary Sobers scored his 26th and final century of his Test career. In this match at Lord’s, Sober’s retired with a stomach ailment after he reached the three figure mark. He later revealed that he had been out drinking the previous night with some of his mates.

1972: Dennis Amiss hits the first ever one day international hundred, in a match played at Old Trafford against Australia.

1959: India were beaten 5-0 by England, the pace of Fred Trueman and Brian Statham was too hard for India to handle. This is the only 5-0 whitewash ever inflicted by England.

1980: First flood lit match to be played in England. Graham Gooch led Essex to victory against a touring West Indies team at the Stamford Bridge ground, which is the home of Chelsea FC.

Soccer

1957: British soccer player Jimmy Greaves plays his first game for Chelsea. He is the third highest scorer for England in international football.

1982: Birthday of Swedish footballer Kim Kallstrom. He has represented his country in three Euro’s – in 2004, 2008 and 2012, and also a World Cup in 2006.

Baseball:

1989: A severe punishment is given to base-baller Pete Rose, as he is banned for life for gambling. It also brought to an end to his 745 consecutive games streak.

1975: Ed Halick of the San Francisco Gaints, no-hits the New York Giants for a 6-0 victory.

Pole Vault:

1963: John Pennel becomes the first pole vaulter ever to clear a height of 17 ft.

Do check out the rest of the ‘This day in history’ series.