After he appeared first on the Lord’s Honours Board in 1983 for a century against New Zealand, David Gower secured a first England century against Australia at the Home of Cricket for twelve years as he hit 106 in 1989.

Gower had been appointed as captain at the start of the summer but after a disappointing start to the Ashes series with defeat at Headingley, England were desperate to turn things around at Lord’s. He only just recovered from a shoulder operation in time to lead his side.

The match was in the balance until the start of the third day, with Australia 276 for 6 in reply to England’s 286 all out, but Steve Waugh’s 152 not out helped the visitors to 528 all out.

A lead of 248 put the pressure on England but Gower led from the front, as he and Robin Smith put on 139 for the fifth wicket. Although England had improved on their first innings showing with a total of 359 all out, Australia easily reached their target on the final day and went on to win the six match Ashes series 4-0.