Cricket Quiz: Sourav Ganguly and Cricket History

South Africa became the third Test-playing nation in 1889, after England (first) and Australia (second). South Africa played their first Test match against England at Port Elizabeth in 1888-89. This established the early triad of Test cricket nations. India gained Test status much later (1932), not in 1910 or 1889 as the incorrect options suggest.

South Africa was suspended from international cricket in 1970 due to their apartheid policy, not returning to Test cricket until 1991. The ICC suspension followed South Africa's exclusion from the 1968-69 tour of England and their withdrawal from the 1970 World Cup. The years 1975, 1979, and 1983 are incorrect - the suspension came earlier.

The ICC Test Championship Table was introduced in June 2001 to rank Test-playing nations based on their performance over a rolling period. This system (later evolved into the World Test Championship) aimed to add context to Test series beyond bilateral contests. The May dates and 2002 dates in other options are incorrect - June 2001 was the actual launch.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) was founded in 1787, making it the oldest cricket club in the world. Based at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, the MCC was the governing body of cricket until the ICC was formed. The other dates are incorrect: 1687 is too early (cricket wasn't organized), and 1817, 1887 are decades after the actual founding.

Sussex County Cricket Club, founded in 1839, is widely considered the oldest club in the modern county league system. Sussex was a founding member of the County Championship and has maintained continuous participation. While Kent (formed 1842) and other counties have older origins, Sussex is recognized as the oldest in the modern competitive league structure.

W.G. Grace, one of cricket's greatest early players, made his first-class debut in 1865 at age 16. His career spanned 44 years until 1908, making him one of the most significant figures in early cricket history.

Shahid Afridi holds the record for the highest career strike rate in ODI cricket, known for his aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly. His explosive approach made him one of the most dangerous limited-overs batsmen.

Bangladesh holds the record for most consecutive defeats in both Test and ODI formats during their early years in international cricket. The team faced significant challenges after gaining Test status in 2000, resulting in extended losing streakes that remain unmatched in cricket history.

The Indian Cricket League (ICL) started in 2007 as a private Twenty20 cricket league. It operated from 2007 to 2009 before being discontinued, and notably preceded the officially sanctioned Indian Premier League which began in 2008.

Sourav Ganguly's highest Test score is 239, which he scored against Pakistan in Bangalore in 2007. This was his only Test double-century and came in his final Test series, making it one of the most memorable innings of his career.

Sourav Ganguly took exactly 100 ODI wickets in his international cricket career spanning 1992-2007. His right-arm medium-pace bowling made him a valuable part-time bowling option for Team India, complementing his role as a top-order batsman.

Sourav Ganguly's height is 5 feet 11 inches, making him one of the taller Indian cricketers of his era. This height advantage contributed to his driving ability and reach as a batsman.

Sourav Ganguly scored 22 centuries in One Day International cricket during his career from 1992 to 2007. These centuries established him as one of India's most prolific ODI batsmen and key players in limited-overs cricket.

Sourav Ganguly scored 16 centuries in Test cricket during his international career spanning 1996-2008. These Test centuries included several important innings, with his highest being 239 against Pakistan in Bangalore.

Sourav Ganguly scored 183 runs against Sri Lanka in an ODI match in 1999, which was a record at that time for the highest individual score by an Indian batsman in ODI cricket. This innings was played at Taunton and remains one of the finest ODI performances.

The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. Countries compete against each other in this knockout tournament, which has been held annually since 1900, making it the world's largest annual international team competition in sport.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is awarded to the winner of the FIFA World Cup, which is the premier international football (soccer) tournament for national teams, held every four years. FIFA is the governing body for football worldwide.

The Duleep Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket tournament in India, featuring teams representing different geographical zones of the country. Named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji, it has been a prestigious tournament since 1961-62.