Allan Lamb added his name to the list of players who had twice seen their name inscribed on the Lord’s Honours Board in the same summer, as he struck a century in the one-off Test match against Sri Lanka in 1984.

It was his fourth Test century of the summer, and one that was much needed against a Sri Lankan outfit on their inaugural appearance at the Home of Cricket. Centuries from Sidath Wettimuny and Duleep Mendis saw them declare on 491 for 7 in their first innings.

After a slow start to the England innings, they avoided the follow-on five wickets down on the fourth day thanks to Lamb’s century, which came from 195 deliveries, and included ten fours and a six. In truth, Lamb’s knock was one of England’s few successes in a match which they under performed.

The match ended in a draw with Sri Lanka making 294 for 7 declared in their second innings, but with there being far from enough time left in the match for a result to be forced.