Graeme Hick, one of the highest-scoring batsmen of his generation in first-class cricket, was approaching the end of his nine year England Test career when he made 101 against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2000.
Zimbabwe-born Hick made the last of his six Test centuries, and his only one against the country of his birth at the Home of Cricket as England bundled out the tourists for only 83, after asking them to bat first, with seamer Ed Giddins claiming figures of 5 for 15.
England duly racked up a total of 415 all out as Hick put on 149 for the fourth wicket with Alec Stewart, the best partnership for that wicket against Zimbabwe. Hick plundered 13 fours in his knock despite the form of Heath Streak who took six wickets. He spent 22 minutes hovering nervously on 99 but a push to mid-wicket ensured he reached three figures.
Hick became the third Englishman and fourteenth batsman in all to score a century on their first appearance against Zimbabwe. The visitors were touring England for the first time in Test cricket and making their inaugural appearance at Lord’s, but were heavily beaten by an innings and 209 runs.