The cricket World Cup began on this day, 7th June, 43 years ago

The cricket World Cup began on 7^th June 1975.

So what was the first day of the tournament, then known as Prudential World Cup like? Four matches were played simultaneously at Lord’s, Edgbaston, Headingley and Old Trafford.

All the four winning teams on that day put up half-century opening partnerships, and all four of these sides - England, New Zealand, Australia and the West Indies - eventually advanced to the semi-finals. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, lost 8 wickets before they reached fifty.

It was a day of contrasting fortunes for the captains. New Zealand skipper Glenn Turner hit up an unbeaten 171, which was to remain the highest score in the World Cup until Indian captain Kapil Dev eclipsed it in 1983. But Sri Lankan skipper Anura Tennekoon had the mortification of registering the first duck of the World Cup. East Africa captain Harilal Shah was also dismissed for nought on that opening day.

Another hundred was hit up on this historic occasion by England opener Dennis Amiss who scored 137.

To complete a splendid picture there was a five-wicket haul too, by legendary Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee who bagged five for 34 off his 12 overs.

West Indies left-arm seamer Bernard Julien, though, earned the distinction of bagging the first four-wicket haul as he took four for 20.

The twelfth cricket World Cup starts on 30^th May 2019 in England, where it all began 43 years ago.

Indra Vikram Singh’s book ‘The Big Book of World Cup Cricket’ provides comprehensive coverage and photographs of this showpiece event right since its inception.

(Author Indra Vikram Singh can be contacted on email singh_iv@hotmail.com).

The Big Book of World Cup Cricket is available at an attractive price on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.in/dp/8190166840