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On this Day! Richard Hadlee Shatters 400-Wicket Barrier
5 Feb
Summary
- Richard Hadlee achieved 400 Test wickets, a first in cricket history.
- He accomplished this feat at 39 years old against India.
- Hadlee was a formidable all-rounder, winning matches single-handedly.
On February 4, 1990, Richard Hadlee etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first bowler to claim 400 Test wickets. The New Zealand legend achieved this landmark at the age of 39 during a Test match against India in Christchurch. This accomplishment surpassed previous records held by bowlers like Malcolm Marshall and Dennis Lillee.
Hadlee's career was characterized by remarkable resilience and an all-round prowess that often single-handedly steered New Zealand to victory. In the match against India, he took seven wickets, including the crucial one that marked his 400th, ensuring a ten-wicket win for his team. His final Test tally stood at 431 wickets in 86 matches at an impressive average of 22.29.
His achievement represented a new peak in bowling, pushing the perceived limits of endurance and skill in Test cricket. While future bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne would later surpass his wicket tally, Hadlee's milestone on that day in 1990 was uncharted territory, establishing a new benchmark for the sport.
