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A.J. Lamb

110

A.J. Lamb 110 v West IndiesBack to boards

Allan Lamb’s second innings century against the West Indies at Lord’s in 1984 was the catalyst towards England setting their visitors a formidable fourth innings target at the Home of Cricket.

Graeme Fowler’s ton and Ian Botham’s eight-wicket haul had helped England to a first innings lead, but it looked as though the hosts might miss the opportunity to take advantage in their second innings, losing Fowler, Chris Broad and David Gower cheaply.

Lamb had other ideas though. He was initially joined by Mike Gatting before Ian Botham helped him add 128 in just over two hours. Botham was dismissed for 81 and with Lamb well set on 109, having capitalised on some defensive West Indian bowling and field placings, bad light halted play.

Lamb was eventually out in the morning for 110, scoring thirteen fours in his six-hour knock, despite the innings losing its way, England set West Indies 342 to win in five and half hours. They hadn’t accounted for one of the great innings from Gordon Greenidge though, and his 214 not out sealed a nine-wicket win for the visitors.

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