Biography:Known as "The Demon Bowler" Spofforth was arguably Australia's finest pace bowler of the 19th century.
The first bowler to take 50 test wickets, Spofforth was also the first to achieve a test hat-trick in 1879.
Spofforth ended his 18 test career with 94 wickets at an average of 18.41.
Born:September 9, 1853 Birthplace:Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Star Sign:Virgo
Died:June 4, 1926 (aged 72) Cause of Death: Chronic colitis
Historical Events
1877-03-31 Test Cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses 2nd Test by 4 wickets vs England at Melbourne Cricket Ground
1878-05-27 Australian cricket fast bowler Fred Spofforth takes 10-20 (6-4 and 4-16) in quick-fire 9 wicket tour match win over the MCC in London
1879-01-02 Australian fast bowler Fred Spofforth dismisses 3 English batsmen with consecutive deliveries during the 3rd Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for Test cricket's first "hat-trick"
1882-08-29 Australia beat England by 7 runs - "Death of English cricket" with Australian fast bowler Fred Spofforth posting 14-90 (7-46 & 7-44)
1884-05-26 Australian cricket fast bowler Fred Spofforth takes 7-34 & 7-3 against an England XI in a tour match in Birmingham; match over in just 4 hours
Chris Gayle
Colin Cowdrey
Hansie Cronje
Jack Hobbs
MS Dhoni
Sonny Ramadhin