4 Players With Hundreds In Both Innings Of A Lord’s Test

Joe Root recently became the fourth player to score twin tons at Lord’s (X)

England stalwart, Joe Root continued to cement his legacy as one of the finest batters in cricket history, etching his name alongside the greats with a stunning display at Lord’s during the second Test against Sri Lanka recently.

In a batting masterclass, Root notched up his 34th Test century, surpassing the legendary Alastair Cook to claim the record for the most Test hundreds by an English batter. His second-innings score of 103 off just 121 balls, filled with 10 boundaries at a brisk strike rate of 85.12, added to the brilliance of his first-innings knock of 143.

With these twin centuries, Root joined an exclusive club of players who have scored hundreds in both innings of a Lord’s Test, becoming only the fourth Englishman to achieve this remarkable feat.

Root’s performance left the opposition clutching at straws. The seasoned campaigner has made a habit of rising to the occasion, and at the Home of Cricket, he reminded everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with. Like a fine wine, Root’s batting seems to get better with age, and this latest milestone adds another chapter to his remarkable story in the longest format of the game.

Here’s a look at the top 4 players with hundreds in both innings at Lord’s.

4. George Headley – 106 & 107 for West Indies vs England, 1939

George Headley – 106 & 107 at Lord’s (X)

In the 1939 Lord’s Test between West Indies and England, George Headley, often hailed as “The Black Bradman,” scored centuries in both innings. In the first innings, Headley held the West Indies batting together with a commanding 106 off 250 balls, featuring 13 boundaries, helping his side to a total of 277.

Despite his efforts, the rest of the batting lineup struggled against England’s bowlers, particularly Bill Copson, who claimed 5 wickets. England responded strongly with 404/5 declared, thanks to a massive 196 by Leonard Hutton and 120 from Denis Compton.

In the second innings, Headley again showcased his class, scoring 107 from 230 balls, with 8 boundaries, while the rest of the West Indian batters faltered. Their total of 225 left England needing just 99 to win, which they chased down comfortably at 100/2 to secure an eight-wicket victory.

3. Graham Gooch – 333 & 123 for England vs India, 1990

Graham Gooch – 333 & 123 at Lord’s (X)

In the 1st Test at Lord’s in 1990, Graham Gooch’s incredible 333 in England’s first innings, supported by Allan Lamb’s 139 and Robin Smith’s unbeaten 100, powered England to 653/4 declared.

In response, India’s Ravi Shastri (100) and Mohammad Azharuddin (121) fought valiantly, but India was bowled out for 454, trailing by 199. Gooch continued his dominance with a blistering 123 in England’s second innings, setting India a target of 472.

Despite contributions from Sanjay Manjrekar (33), Dilip Vengsarkar (35), and Azharuddin (37), India collapsed for 224, giving England a commanding 247-run victory. Gooch’s twin centuries (333 and 123) earned him the Player of the Match honour for an all-time great performance.

2. Michael Vaughan – 103 & 101* for England vs West Indies, 2004

Michael Vaughan – 103 & 101* at Lord’s (X)

In the 1st Test at Lord’s in 2004, England’s first innings saw a dominant batting display led by Rob Key’s brilliant 221 and Andrew Strauss’s 137, as they piled up 568. Michael Vaughan contributed 103, while Pedro Collins (4/113) was the pick of the West Indies bowlers.

In reply, West Indies managed 416, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul anchoring the innings with a gritty 128*, supported by Chris Gayle’s 66 and Omari Banks’ 45. Ashley Giles starred with the ball for England, taking 4/129.

In England’s second innings, Vaughan led from the front with an unbeaten 101, setting up a declaration at 325/5. Andrew Flintoff added a quickfire 58 off 42 balls, while Pedro Collins once again impressed, claiming 3/62.

Chasing 478, West Indies faltered despite Gayle’s explosive 81 and Chanderpaul’s valiant 97*. Giles completed a superb all-round performance, taking 5/81 as West Indies were bowled out for 267, giving England a commanding 210-run victory.

1. Joe Root – 143 & 103 for England vs Sri Lanka, 2024

1. Joe Root – 143 & 103 for England vs Sri Lanka, 2024 (X)

During the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s in 2024, Joe Root showcased his class with centuries in both innings. In England’s first innings, Root anchored the team with a brilliant 143 off 206 balls, supported by Gus Atkinson’s blistering 118 off 115, taking England to 427.

Sri Lanka struggled in response, being bowled out for 196, with Kamindu Mendis top-scoring with 74 as Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson claimed two wickets each. In the second innings, Root again led the charge with a composed 103 off 121 balls, guiding England to 251, setting Sri Lanka a colossal target of 483.

Despite resistance from Dimuth Karunaratne (55), Dinesh Chandimal (58), and Dhananjaya de Silva (50), Sri Lanka fell short, being bowled out for 292. Gus Atkinson was the star with the ball, taking 5/62, sealing a 190-run victory for England. Root’s twin centuries were key in the commanding win, but it was Atkinson who earned the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance.