Scoring centuries in both innings of a Test match at Lord’s is a rare and special achievement. Only a few players have managed to do this at the “Home of Cricket.” This article looks at three such moments when batters shined at Lord’s by scoring centuries in both innings. We will explore the remarkable performances of Graham Gooch, Michael Vaughan, and Joe Root, each playing a key role in leading England to victory.
3. Graham Gooch – 333 and 123 for England vs India, 1990
India faced one of the greatest knocks in Test cricket when England captain Graham Gooch smashed a triple century in the first innings at Lord’s in 1990. Known as one of England’s all-time greats, Gooch made batting look effortless during his prime.
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Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s decision to field first backfired, as England posted a massive 673 runs. Gooch’s monumental innings of 333 included 43 fours and three sixes. Despite centuries from Ravi Shastri and Azharuddin, India could only score 454 in reply.
Choosing not to enforce the follow-on, England piled on the pressure in the second innings. Gooch’s rapid 123 off 113 balls set India a steep target, and with Angus Fraser leading the bowling attack, England secured a huge 247-run victory.
2. Michael Vaughan – 103 and 101* for England vs West Indies, 2004
In 2004, former England captain Michael Vaughan scored double centuries against the West Indies at Lord’s. Despite his excellent performance, it was Ashley Giles who won the Player of the Match award for his impressive bowling on a pitch that offered little for bowlers.
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After choosing to bat first, England posted 568, thanks to a double century from Robert Key and a 291-run partnership with Andrew Strauss. Vaughan added the finishing touch with his 103 from 154 balls.
The West Indies responded with 416 runs, led by a superb century from Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Holding a lead of 152, England looked to press for victory, with Vaughan scoring another century, helping secure a 210-run win. Giles took a five-wicket haul to guide England to a memorable win.
1. Joe Root – 143 and 103 for England vs Sri Lanka, 2024
Back in 2020, Joe Root lagged behind his contemporaries Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, and Kane Williamson in Test centuries, with just 17 to his name. Fast forward to 2024, and Root now leads the “Fab Four” with the most Test centuries.
Root, once criticized for failing to convert starts into big scores, has doubled his tally over the past four years, showing a remarkable conversion rate. In the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka, Root was at his best, scoring 143 in the first innings while maintaining a steady flow of boundaries. His innings ended with an attempted reverse scoop.
In the second innings, Root scored his fastest Test century, knowing the importance of quick runs with a substantial lead of 231. Without taking unnecessary risks, he reached his hundred efficiently before getting out while trying to accelerate the scoring. England, eventually bowled out for 251, were in a commanding position heading into Day 4.
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