Today in sports history: July 6 - NZ twins make test cricket history

Today in sports history: July 6 - NZ twins make test cricket history

On this day in 1984…

Kiwis Liz and Rose Signal became the first twins to play test cricket together, making their debuts against the England women at Headingley. 

NZ skipper Debbie Hockley won the toss and elected to bat, reaching 147/7 at stumps on the first day, before declaring overnight. Rose fell for a duck, while Liz didn't get the opportunity to bat. 

England scored 256/5 in reply and the Signal twins went wicket-less, although Liz took two catches.

1984 NZ women's cricketer team - Liz Signal (top left) & Rosie Signal (bottom right)
1984 NZ women's cricketer team - Liz Signal (top left) & Rosie Signal (bottom right) Photo credit: NZ Cricket Museum

New Zealand saved the match, with the Signal sisters combining for nine runs in the second innings.

Rose never played another test, but Liz was retained for the rest of the series. She scored an unbeaten 55 in the second test at New Road and took two quick wickets in the third.

2002 

Serena Williams won her first Wimbledon title at age 19, defeating sister Venus 7-6, 6-3. Serena's second Grand Slam win came just a month after her maiden title at the French Open. 

She has added a further seven Wimbledon crowns to her resume, with 23 Grand Slam wins in total, second to all-time to Margaret Court (24).

2013 

The British & Irish Lions thrashed the Wallabies 41-16 in the deciding test in Sydney to claim the series 2-1.

After claiming a first test victory in Brisbane (23-21), the Robbie Deans-led Australians bounced back with a one-point win in Melbourne (16-15).

British & Irish Lions celebrate their series victory over Australia
British & Irish Lions celebrate their series victory over Australia. Photo credit: Getty

But Warren Gatland's side left no doubt about who was the better team, scoring four tries to one in the final test. 

2019 

Welterweight Jorge Masvidal's five-second knockout of Ben Askren makes UFC history.

The American struck an advancing Askren with a vicious flying knee to inflict the first loss of his opponent's career. The UFC 239 bout had an intense build-up, with Askren constantly downgrading Masvidal's skills, but 'Gamebred' had the final laugh, knocking his fellow American out cold. 

Births

1917 - Kiwi distance-running coach Arthur Lydiard    

1980 - Spanish basketball great Pau Gasol 

2000 - NBA No.1 draft pick Zion Williamson  

Deaths 

1997 - Four-test NZ test cricketer Brun Smith, aged 75

Newshub 12 months ago…

Live updates: Super Rugby 2019 Final - Crusaders v Jaguares

The Crusaders have again proved themselves the masters of pressure in Super Rugby, emerging 19-3 winners over the Jaguares in the competition's lowest-scoring final.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson dances to celebrate his team's Super Rugby win
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson dances to celebrate his team's Super Rugby win. Photo credit: Photosport

Cold, slippery conditions in Christchurch on Saturday turned the decider into a defence-dominated contest, which would always be won by the team that took their opportunities best.

Not surprisingly, that was the Crusaders, whose nous and accuracy steered them to a 10th crown, seven more than any other side.

Their third title in a row also matching their achievement of 1998-2000 and further cemented their undisputed status as the competition's pre-eminent team.