We’ve compiled a list of some truly strange occurrences on a Cricket field, that you may not have been aware of. 

Australia vs England (1950-51)

The first Ashes Test in the 1950-51 season was played in Brisbane, and was affected by a typical thunderstorm that the city is accustomed to. This made the pitch unplayable, and resulted in the scorecard having a very peculiar look to it. England declared bizarrely at 68-7, 160 runs behind Australia’s first innings total. Australia went on to collapse to 32-7 before declaring their innings. England needed 193 runs to win the match. They ended the day at 30-6, and were sent packing for 122.

South Africa vs Bermuda (2008) (Women World Cup Qualifier)

Bermuda batted first and were dismissed for 13 runs. 10 out the 13 runs were a result of extras being conceded by the South African bowlers. 3 different batsmen scored 1 run each, and the other 7 all scored ducks. South Africa went on to reach their target within their first 4 deliveries, as Bermuda’s opening bowler further added to the extras tally. 20 of the matches 28 runs were in extras, with only five scoring shots being played in the entire match. The match obviously didn’t last very long.

Essex vs Derbyshire (1947)

Trailing Essex’s first inning total by 223 runs, 11th man Peter Smith came out to bat for Derbyshire. He went on to make 163 runs and amassed a 218 run partnership with Frank Vigar. His 163 remains the highest score by a number 11 in all first class cricket.

Rest of India vs The Hindus (1943)

During the finals of the Bombay Pentangular tournament, the Rest were 60-5, well short of the Hindus’ first innings total of 581. Vivek Hazare come out to join his more famous brother Vijay Hazare in the middle. Vivek managed to stay out in the middle, and Vijay did the scoring. Vivek made 21 in an innings that last over 5 hours, and Vijay went on to make 309. Their stand was worth 300. It was eventually in a losing cause, as no one else managed to score above 16 runs, leading to the Rest losing the match by an innings.

Pakistan Railways vs Dera Ismail Khan (1964)

Dera Ismail Khan, a new formed first class team, we’re making their debut against Pakistan Railways. The Railways team had some good players, but none of them played for the Pakistan national team. Dera Ismail Khan had a team filled with players who were all making their first class debut, much like the team. Pakistan Railways made 910-6 in their first innings. Dera Ismail Khan responded with scores of 32 and 27. How did they perform in their second competitive game? Well, they never played again.