David Gower saw his name inscribed on the Lord’s Honours Board for the first time in 1983, as he struck a graceful century against New Zealand at the Home of Cricket.

The Kiwis had won the toss in the expectation of early wickets but despite Richard Hadlee dismissing opener Chris Smith first ball, they were made to suffer a stand of 149 between Gower and Chris Tavare for the second wicket.

Gower, strong on the drive and assured on the leg side, laid the innings’ foundations with the patient Tavare and his 108 came from 200 balls and included sixteen fours. His innings helped England to a total of 326 all out, before the visitors were bowled out for 191.

He added 34 in the second innings as England reached 211 all out, setting New Zealand a target of 347, but England won the match by 127 runs and Gower earned the Man of the Match award for his efforts.