5 Interesting Coincidence In History Of Cricket

4. Nelson of all Nelsons

Image Source : CricTracker

During a Test between South Africa and Australia in November 2011, a peculiar incident happened. First of all, the four innings of the Test were part of a single day (Day Two). Australia started the day with 214/8 and ended with 284 before lunch.

It was followed by a South African collapse as they were dismissed for 96 in just 24.3 overs. There were more twists as Australia folded for just 47 in 18 overs in their second innings. South Africa batted for 18 more overs in the day and ended the day on 81/1.

On a 23-wicket day a bizarre incident occurred as ‘Nelson (111)’ struck from all corners. South Africa needed 111 runs to win at exactly 11:11 on the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011 (date was 11/11/11, time was 11:11). The fans along with umpire Ian Gould stood on one leg as part of the funny incident.

5. Same teams, same result and same margin on 1st and Centenary Test

Image Source : Wisden

England and Australia are two of the oldest teams to play Test cricket. The first Test was played in 1877 in the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). A hundred years later both the teams met again at MCG to mark the 100th anniversary of Test cricket.

In 1877, Australia batted first and scored 245. In reply, England made 196 and gave the Aussies a 49-run lead. However the English made a strong comeback and bowled out Australia for 104. Needing 154 to win, England only managed to score 108 thus handing the Aussies a 45-run victory.

In the Centenary Test, the Aussies once again batted first and scored 138. In reply England got out for a mere 95. Australia played strongly in the second innings and declared at 419/9. England needed 463 to win but fell short as they made 417. In both the Tests, the Aussies won the game and also by a margin of 45 runs.