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OnThisDay was born one of India’s finest Coaches of all time Gary Kirsten.Some of his eminent contributions to the Indian Cricket Team.

  • ICC Cricket World Cup After 28 Year
  • No.1 in the Test rankings for the first time
  • India’s first Series Win vs Sri Lanka Cricket team
  • After 40 years of Test and ODI series vs BLACKCAPS in New Zealand.
  • Compaq Cup
  • Asia Cup after 15 years
  • 5-0 Win against England Cricket team and Kiwis.
  • India draw Test vs Cricket South Africa in South Africa.
  • Overall 7 Test Series Win (only 1 lost).
  • 12 ODI Series Championship

Gary Kirsten as batsman.Some of his memorable performance and other achievements .

His century in both the innings(102&103) of the Eden Test helped Proteas to level the series. (Gibbs and Klusner debut match )

275 runs against England at Durban. He batted 878 minutes after being follow-on to save the match for Proteas. This herculean effort to save the Test was the second-longest test inning ever (in terms of mins) played.

In 2002 after his hundred against Bangladesh, Kirsten became the first player to score a century against the then all nine Test-playing nations.

2003 Headingley test, SA were struggling at 142/7 in first inning. He first with debutant Zondeki and then Ntini rescued the ship and helped SA to reach a respectful total of 342

Lahore Test: An act of courage when he returned to bat in the fourth inning with 10 stitches in his face, after being hit by Shoaib’s rising delivery while mistiming a hook shot.

He still holds the record of highest score in World Cup 188* vs UAE at Rawalpindi.

  • In ODI his fav team was India against whom he smashed 1377 runs @62.59 with 4 centuries(overall 13 centuries,avg 40.95).
    a) Pepsi Sharjah Cup – Final 1996.His 115 against India lead Proteas to Tri-nation Championship.A typical Kirsten inning slow and steady with immense concentration.
  • b)Kochi revenge: SA lost the match even after pilling up 301 runs thanks to a splendid opening partnership between him and Gibbs (235)both scored century. But Jadeja and Robin Singh took the match away. Whereas at New Wanderers Stadium after a century from Saurav and Sachin India set a target of 280(highest total at Wanderers). But aggressive batting from Gibbs and Kirsten shattered India’s hope, Gary remained unbeaten on 133.

He and Gibbs remains to be the most successful opening pair for South Africa amassing 2838 runs @46.52 with 9 hundred partnership.(Gibbs-Smith 3007@ 41.19)

By Staff

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