Cricket History and Facts

In Test cricket, there is no limit on the number of overs a bowler can bowl in an innings, unlike limited-overs formats. Captains can therefore use their best bowlers extensively as needed throughout the innings.

Day-Night Test matches were introduced in 2015, using a pink ball for better visibility under artificial lighting. The first Day-Night Test was played between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide in November 2015.

Brian Lara scored 400 not out against England in Antigua in 2004, setting the record for the highest individual score in a Test innings. This legendary innings surpasses all other individual batting performances in Test history.

Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in an innings (10/74) against Pakistan in Delhi in 1999, which remains the best bowling performance by an Indian bowler. This achievement makes him one of the few bowlers in cricket history to take all 10 wickets in an innings.

Rahul Dravid's highest ODI score is 153, which he scored against New Zealand in 1999. This remains his personal best in one-day international cricket. Dravid was known more as a Test match specialist with exceptional technique, making his ODI records less commonly remembered.

Sourav Ganguly's highest ODI score is 183, which he made against Sri Lanka in the 1999 World Cup at Taunton. This was part of a then-record 318-run partnership with Rahul Dravid (who scored 145). Ganguly was an elegant left-handed opener who played many crucial ODI innings for India.

Brian Lara's highest ODI score is 169, which he scored against Bangladesh in 2004. While Lara is more famous for his Test cricket records (400* and 375), he was also a destructive ODI batsman. The 169 came off just 137 balls and included 19 fours and 6 sixes, typical of Lara's aggressive batting style.

Shahid Afridi's highest ODI score is 124, which he scored against Bangladesh in 2010. Afridi was known for his aggressive batting and held the record for fastest ODI century (37 balls) for many years. This 124 came off just 60 balls and included 12 fours and 8 sixes, exemplifying his boom-boom batting style.

Herschelle Gibbs' highest ODI score is 175, which he scored against Australia in the famous 2006 match at Johannesburg where South Africa successfully chased 434. This was one of the greatest ODI innings ever played, coming in what is considered the greatest ODI match in history. Gibbs batted with incredible aggression and skill.

MS Dhoni's highest ODI score is 183*, which he scored against Sri Lanka in 2005 at Jaipur. This was a devastating innings that announced Dhoni's arrival on the international stage. He finished not out, blasting 15 fours and 10 sixes. This innings showcased his finishing ability and helicopter shots.

Ricky Ponting's highest ODI score is 164, which he scored against South Africa in 2006 at Johannesburg. Ponting was one of the most successful ODI captains and batsmen, with numerous big scores to his name. This 164 was part of Australia's dominant era and came in a high-scoring encounter.