Top 10 Fascinating Facts in Cricket | You Never Heard Before | Usman on cricket
Cricket is more than just a sport—it’s a culture, a passion, and a legacy that has united fans across generations. From the packed stadiums of India and Pakistan to the historic grounds of England and Australia, the gentleman’s game has produced countless memorable moments. But beyond the famous centuries, iconic sixes, and thrilling last-ball finishes, cricket also hides some lesser-known but truly fascinating facts that many fans may not know.
In this article, I bring you the Top 10 Most Interesting Facts in Cricket History—from record-breaking achievements to bizarre incidents that left fans stunned. These facts are drawn from trusted cricket archives such as ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz, ensuring reliability and accuracy. Read full story and latest cricket news on www.usmanoncricket.com
1. The First-Ever International Cricket Match
Most fans believe that England and Australia pioneered international cricket, but the truth is surprising.
- The first official international cricket match was played in 1844 between USA and Canada at St George’s Cricket Club, New York.
- This match happened decades before baseball became North America’s biggest sport.
- Canada won the historic encounter, and it set the tone for cricket’s global spread.
2. The Longest Cricket Match in History
If you think Test matches today are long, imagine playing for 10 straight days!
- The Timeless Test of 1939 between England and South Africa in Durban holds this unique record.
- The match lasted from 3–14 March 1939 but still ended in a draw because the England team had to catch their ship home.
- In total, 1,981 runs were scored, but no winner was declared.
3. The First Test Century
The honor of scoring the first Test century belongs to Charles Bannerman of Australia.
- He made 165 runs in the inaugural Test between Australia and England at Melbourne in 1877.
- Interestingly, Bannerman scored 67% of his team’s total runs, a record contribution still unmatched in Test cricket.
4. The Longest Six in International Cricket
Pakistani superstar Shahid Afridi, known as “Boom Boom,” is no stranger to hitting gigantic sixes.
- In 2013, Afridi smashed a delivery from South Africa’s Ryan McLaren 153 meters, the longest six ever recorded in international cricket.
- While the exact measurement has been debated, Afridi’s reputation as the king of power-hitting remains undisputed.
5. Most Wickets in a Single Test Match
English spinner Jim Laker produced one of cricket’s greatest bowling performances.
- In 1956, against Australia at Old Trafford, Laker took 19 out of 20 wickets in the match.
- His figures of 10/53 in the second innings remain unmatched in Test history.
- Till today, no bowler has come close to this once-in-a-lifetime feat.
6. The Fastest Delivery Ever Bowled
Pakistani pace legend Shoaib Akhtar, known as the Rawalpindi Express, holds the record for the fastest delivery ever recorded.
- In the 2003 ICC World Cup against England, Shoaib clocked a staggering 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph).
- Even in modern cricket, with advanced fitness and biomechanics, no bowler has been able to officially break this speed barrier.
7. Rare Tied Test Matches
Test cricket is known for its draws, but ties are extremely rare.
- Only two Test matches in history have ever ended in a tie:
- Australia vs West Indies, Brisbane, 1960
- India vs Australia, Madras (Chennai), 1986
- Both matches are celebrated as timeless classics, proving why Test cricket is still regarded as the ultimate test of skill and temperament.
8. Sachin Tendulkar’s Ball Boy Story
Before becoming the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar lived the dream of every young fan.
- During the 1987 World Cup in India, a teenage Sachin worked as a ball boy at Wankhede Stadium.
- Just two years later, in 1989, he made his international debut for India at only 16 years old.
- From ball boy to the greatest batsman in cricket history—Tendulkar’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
9. Weirdest Dismissals in Cricket History
Cricket has seen its share of unusual dismissals, but two stand out:
- Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan, 2006): Given out for obstructing the field against India, the first such dismissal in international cricket.
- Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka, 2023): Shockingly given out for timed out against Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup—without facing a single ball.
These incidents sparked global debates and remain some of the strangest moments in the game.
10. MS Dhoni’s Unique ICC Record
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni is celebrated for his calm leadership and finishing skills.
- He is the only captain in cricket history to have won all three ICC white-ball trophies:
- T20 World Cup (2007)
- ODI World Cup (2011)
- Champions Trophy (2013)
- This makes Dhoni one of the greatest leaders the sport has ever seen.
Quick Reference Table: Top 10 Cricket Facts
| Fact | Record Holder / Event | Year / Details |
|---|---|---|
| First International Match | USA vs Canada | 1844 |
| Longest Match | England vs South Africa | 1939, 10 days |
| First Test Century | Charles Bannerman | 1877, 165 runs |
| Longest Six | Shahid Afridi | 2013, 153m |
| Most Wickets in a Match | Jim Laker | 1956, 19 wickets |
| Fastest Delivery | Shoaib Akhtar | 2003, 161.3 km/h |
| Tied Tests | AUS vs WI, IND vs AUS | 1960, 1986 |
| Sachin’s Ball Boy Story | 1987 WC → debut in 1989 | – |
| Weird Dismissals | Inzamam (2006), Mathews (2023) | – |
| MS Dhoni’s Record | Won all 3 ICC trophies | 2007, 2011, 2013 |
FAQs About Fascinating Cricket Facts
Who hit the longest six in cricket history?
Shahid Afridi’s 153-meter six against South Africa in 2013 is often regarded as the longest.
How many Test matches have ended in a tie?
Only two—Australia vs West Indies (1960) and India vs Australia (1986).
Who bowled the fastest ball in cricket?
Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h delivery against England in the 2003 World Cup holds the record
Has any bowler taken all 20 wickets in a Test?
No. The closest was Jim Laker, who took 19 out of 20 wickets in 1956.
Did Sachin Tendulkar really work as a ball boy?
Yes, during the 1987 World Cup in India before debuting internationally in 1989.
Why was Angelo Mathews given out without facing a ball?
He was ruled “timed out” in the 2023 ODI World Cup for not arriving at the crease within the allotted time.
Conclusion – Cricket’s Hidden Gems
Cricket is not just about centuries, wickets, or trophies—it is also about the unbelievable stories and rare records that make it even more fascinating. From Afridi’s monstrous six to Sachin’s ball boy moment, these facts remind us why cricket is called the game of glorious uncertainties.
Who’s your favorite cricketer with the most interesting record? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
