Lord’s Cricket Ground, often referred to as the “Mecca of Cricket,” has witnessed some of the most historic moments in the sport’s history. Achieving a century or taking five wickets in an innings at Lord’s is a monumental feat that earns players a spot on the prestigious honor board. However, there’s an even more exclusive club of cricketers who have managed to both score a century and take 10 wickets in a Test match at this iconic venue. England’s Gus Atkinson is the latest player to join this illustrious group.
Gus Atkinson’s Remarkable Achievement
In the second match of the Test series against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, Gus Atkinson delivered a standout performance that will be remembered for years to come. Atkinson, who made his Test debut on this very ground in July, showcased his all-round skills by scoring a brilliant 118 runs off 115 balls. But it wasn’t just his batting that stole the show. Atkinson also took 12 wickets in the match, making him the sixth player in history to achieve the rare double of scoring a century and taking 10 wickets in a Test at Lord’s.
The Legends Who Achieved the Same Feat
Before Atkinson, only five other players had managed to score a century and take 10 wickets in a Test match at Lord’s. These players have etched their names into the annals of cricketing history with their remarkable performances.
1. Gubby Allen (England)
Gubby Allen was the first player to achieve this incredible milestone at Lord’s. In 1931, Allen scored 122 runs against New Zealand, marking his place in history as one of England’s finest all-rounders. Five years later, in 1936, Allen continued his dominance at Lord’s by taking 10 wickets against India.
2. Keith Miller (Australia)
Australian all-rounder Keith Miller is another cricketing legend who made history at Lord’s. In 1953, Miller scored a crucial 109 runs against England, contributing to Australia’s strong performance. Three years later, during another tour of England, Miller added to his legacy by taking 10 wickets in a match at the same venue.
3. Ian Botham (England)
Sir Ian Botham, one of England’s greatest all-rounders, is well-known for his match-winning performances. In 1978, Botham scored 108 runs against Pakistan at Lord’s. That same year, he took 11 wickets against New Zealand at the same ground, solidifying his reputation as a true cricketing icon.
4. Stuart Broad (England)
Stuart Broad, one of England’s premier fast bowlers, has also etched his name into Lord’s history. In 2010, Broad scored his only Test century, a remarkable 169 runs, against Pakistan. Two years later, in 2012, Broad took 12 wickets in a Test match against the West Indies at Lord’s, making him one of the most successful bowlers in England’s cricketing history.
5. Chris Woakes (England)
Chris Woakes, another all-rounder from England, had his moment of glory at Lord’s in 2018 when he played a crucial unbeaten innings of 137 runs against India. Woakes also demonstrated his bowling prowess by taking 11 wickets against Pakistan in 2016. This performance has earned him a place on the honor board at Lord’s.
Gus Atkinson’s Place in History
Gus Atkinson’s achievement places him among the greats of the game, joining the ranks of players like Gubby Allen, Keith Miller, Ian Botham, Stuart Broad, and Chris Woakes. His century and 10-wicket haul at Lord’s are a testament to his immense talent and potential as an all-rounder. At just 24 years old, Atkinson’s future in cricket looks incredibly bright, and his recent performance has already ensured that his name will be remembered in the annals of cricket history.
Lord’s: The Ultimate Test
Lord’s Cricket Ground is often regarded as the ultimate test for cricketers, a place where careers are defined, and legacies are built. The honor of scoring a century and taking 10 wickets in a Test match at this hallowed ground is a dream for many cricketers, but only a few have managed to achieve it. Gus Atkinson’s recent inclusion in this elite group is a significant moment in cricket, adding yet another chapter to the storied history of Lord’s.
As cricket continues to evolve, performances like Atkinson’s remind us of the timeless beauty of the game and the enduring significance of iconic venues like Lord’s.
