Cricket On This Day – August 13: Historic Test Drama, International Classics & Rising Stars

August 12, 2025

🏏 August 13 in Cricket History – A Day of Legends and Lasting Memories

Cricket is not just a game; it’s a scrapbook of emotions, records, heartbreaks, and fairytales. Every date on the calendar holds stories that echo in the stands long after the crowd has left. August 13 is one such golden day in world cricket history where a teenage genius announced himself, the Ashes burned bright, and records were shattered.

Let’s walk through this memorable date across the cricketing world 🌍:

Cricket on this day

🔥 1990 – Sachin Tendulkar’s First Test Century at Age 17

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Match: India vs England, 2nd Test

At the tender age of 17 years and 107 days, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar scored his first-ever Test century, signaling the arrival of the man who’d become the heartbeat of Indian cricket.

India were staring down the barrel at 183/6, chasing 408 to win. The English attack was relentless—Devon Malcolm, Chris Lewis, and Angus Fraser bowled with fire. But Tendulkar, batting like a seasoned monk in a storm, stood tall and serene, ending with 119 not out*.

This was more than a century. It was a message: “I’m here. And I’m going nowhere for the next two decades.”

Fun Fact:
He became the third youngest player to score a Test hundred at the time. And you guessed it—this was just the beginning of 100 centuries in international cricket!

🏆 2005 – The Ashes of the Century Reaches Fever Pitch at Old Trafford

Match: England vs Australia, 3rd Ashes Test
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

If you ask an English fan about the most thrilling Ashes series, chances are you’ll hear “2005!” screamed in a heartbeat. August 13 was Day 4 of a breathtaking match.

England had posted 444 & 280/6d
Australia were left with a mammoth 423 to chase.
Enter: Ricky Ponting, the skipper with a chin like steel and a pull shot like Thor’s hammer.
His 156 on this day became one of his greatest knocks, playing through hostile bowling, a collapsing middle order, and deafening Barmy Army chants.

What happened next?
Australia survived by one wicket! Literally. Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee blocked the final over. The match ended in a draw, but cricket won.

It was Test cricket’s adrenaline peak—the kind of match that made you fall in love with the format all over again.

🚀 2011 – India Lose Test Crown at Edgbaston

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Match: England vs India, 3rd Test

From glory in 1990 to gloom in 2011.

On August 13, England defeated India by an innings and 242 runs—the worst loss for India in Tests since 1974.

Alastair Cook scored a marathon 294, grinding the Indian attack into the turf.
India collapsed twice in under 250 in both innings.
The loss meant that India lost their No. 1 ICC Test ranking, a position they had held since 2009.

Dark day, but a reality check. And soon, the rise of Virat Kohli’s India began from the ashes.

🌟 1997 – Kumble & Srinath Destroy Sri Lanka

Venue: Colombo
Match: India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI

It wasn’t just the batsmen who stole the spotlight on August 13.

India’s bowling legends Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath were at their devastating best. Kumble took 3 wickets, and Srinath’s early strikes pushed Sri Lanka on the backfoot.

India won by 7 wickets, chasing down 230 comfortably. Ganguly and Dravid scored fifties. But the day belonged to India’s old-school bowlers—mustaches, fire, and all.

🔥 2017 – Hardik Pandya Scores His Maiden Test Century

Venue: Pallekele
Match: India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test

The all-rounder with swag, power, and audacity.

Hardik Pandya announced his Test batting potential with a stunning 108 off 96 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes.

He reached his hundred with a towering six—because subtlety was never his thing.

This also became the fastest century by an Indian No. 8 in Tests.

India went on to whitewash Sri Lanka 3-0 in the series.

🎯 Other Key Moments on August 13:

✅ 1999 – Saeed Anwar Smashes India with Class

Pakistani opener Saeed Anwar played a classy knock against India in the Toronto Friendship Cup—silken cover drives and wristy elegance. Pakistan won a tense match, and Anwar was yet again a thorn in India’s side.

📉 Not So Glorious Moments:

❌ 2021 – India vs England 2nd Test Delayed by Rain

The much-awaited Day 1 of the 2nd Test at Lord’s was washed out. Frustrated fans, soggy outfield, and no cricket. But little did everyone know—it would lead to India’s famous win led by Bumrah and Shami with the bat!

🧠 Did You Know?

August 13 is also remembered for being the Test debut day of Ian Botham (1977) – the English all-rounder who redefined cricketing charisma and swagger.
England’s win over India in 2011 was their biggest victory against India in history.
Tendulkar’s 119* was not just a century—it was a lifeline that saved the match for India.

🗓️ Final Thoughts: Why August 13 Deserves a Page in Cricketing Folklore

From teenage Tendulkar's rise, Ashes drama, to crushing defeats and roaring comebacks, August 13 is a day that celebrates every shade of cricket.

It's a mix of nostalgia, passion, heartbreak, and glory—the very ingredients that make cricket the beautiful madness we love.