One of the most well-loved and universally respected modern-day cricketer, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, was born today in Dunedin, in 1981.

Father Stuart was a first-class cricketer as well and an early influence on little Brendon, and his brother, Nathan, also a member of the national side. McCullum is considered one of the most explosive batsmen in the business.

He has two Twenty20 International centuries against his name, and will forever be known for giving the Indian Premier League an unforgettable start when in the first match of the inaugural season in 2008, he smashed 158 runs in 73 balls.

McCullum’s captaincy of the Black Caps in the recent years, has been lauded as exemplary by critics.

The run by the Kiwis to the finals of the 2015 Cricket World Cup will forever be remembered for his captainship and aggression.

1939: Kathy Whitworth, American golfer with 88 LPGA Tour wins – the most for any player on a single Tour (75).

1948: Duncan Fletcher, former Zimbabwe cricketer, known for his coaching stints with England and India (66).

1981: Lakshmipathy Balaji, India swing bowler, known for his brilliant performance in the 2004 tour of Pakistan (33).

1991: Simona Halep, Romanian world No2 tennis player, who reached the final of the 2014 French Open (23).