Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah recently grabbed a lot of limelight because of the hat-tricks they took in Test matches against New Zealand and West Indies respectively. But many would not know about the first bowler who took a hat-trick in Tests. Well, the name is Fred Spofforth and it’s his 166th birth anniversary on Monday. Born on September 9, 1853, the right arm pacer was a lethal bowler and a mainstay of the Australian bowling line-up. The bowler didn’t take much long in making a mark in the 'gentleman’s game' and took a hat-trick in his third match. Lasith Malinga Snaps Four Wickets in Four Balls in 3rd T20I against New Zealand; Netizens Praise His 'Double Hat-Trick' Feat (Watch Video).

On January 2, 1879, Spofforth dismissed three England batsman in consecutive deliveries and gave international cricket it’s first hat-trick. The pacer played 18 Tests in which he scalped 94 wickets, which also includes seven five-wicket hauls. The noticeable thing is the cricket fanatics had to wait four more years to witness the second instance where three batsmen were dismissed in successive deliveries. The wait was over when England’s pacer Billy Bates claimed a hat-trick against Australia in 1883. Jasprit Bumrah Bags Hat-Trick During India Vs West Indies 2nd Test in Kingston, Becomes 3rd Indian Bowler to Achieve the Milestone in Tests.

Over the years, Australia has been blessed with many great fast bowlers like Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillie but it’s Fred Spofforth who started the legacy. Cricket was affected by many factors in the 19th century and to excel in such circumstances is really a remarkable achievement.

On June 4, 1926, the bowler took his last breath and the cricketing world lost a great fast bowling sensation. However, even after his demise, great pacers have donned the Australian jersey and proved their mettle around the world which would have made the former Australian pacer proud wherever he is.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2019 02:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).