Cricket World Cup: Unknown facts which you didn't know
The first edition of the ICC World Cup was held in 1975 and since then, cricket fans have witnessed many fascinating incidents. There are some facts that even ardent fans don't know. With the ICC World Cup 2019 underway in England and Wales, we go back memory lane to present some of such relatively unknown facts.
Bangladesh fans mistakenly throw stones at the wrong team bus
In the 2011 World Cup, Bangladesh were bowled out for 58 in Dhaka against the West Indies, as the latter won the Group B match by nine wickets. The Bangladeshi fans were so angry they started throwing stones at the West Indian bus, which was on its way back to the hotel from the ground. The fans mistook the Windies team bus as Bangladesh's.
Kepler Wessels has represented two nations in the World Cup
Kepler Wessels represented Australia in the 1983 World Cup after making his ODI debut that year. But the cricketer retired post the 1985/86 tour of New Zealand. However, he went on to play for South Africa in 1991. Interestingly, he was named as the team's captain for the 1992 World Cup. He became the first player to feature for two countries in World Cup..
When Imran Khan returned from retirement and handed Pakistan glory
Pakistani legend Imran Khan announced his retirement from cricket in 1987. But he made a stunning return to international cricket in 1988. The reason behind his decision was that Pakistani President, General Zia-Ul-Haq requested him to take charge of the team. The all-rounder's amazing captaincy gave Pakistan their first and only World Cup in 1992. Pakistan beat England by 22 runs in the final.
The first hit-wicket in ODIs happened in 1975 CWC finale
West Indies won the inaugural World Cup. Apart from amazing display of cricket, there was a rare sight in the finale. Opening batsman Roy Fredricks lost balance and accidentally kicked the leg stump after hooking a bouncer by Dennis Lillee. The ball travelled the distance and went for a six over long-leg. But Fredricks was adjudged hit-wicket, making it the first instance in ODIs.
When DRS rule got changed after this incident in 2011
Post India's dramatic encounter against England in the 2011 World Cup, the ICC was forced to change the DRS rule. India's review against Ian Bell saw Hawk-Eye indicating the ball hitting the stumps. But, Bell was given not out as the ball struck him 2.5 meters from the stumps. Later on the ICC implemented a new rule which didn't take the distance into account.
When Gilchrist credited squash ball for his hundred in final
During the 2007 World Cup, Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist used a different technique while gripping his bat. Gilly had a squash ball in his bottom hand glove to get a better grip and prevent the bat from turning in his hands. His batting coach, Bob Meuleman, had advised the same. After scoring a hundred in the final, Gilly credited the squash ball.
