Brian Statham’s first five-wicket haul at Lord’s was achieved against South Africa in June 1955.

He took two wickets in the first innings, and when South Africa began their second innings needing 183 to win, Statham struck two valuable blows before the close of Day 3, dismissing the opening pair, McGlew and Goddard.

No one from the South African team was able to face Statham confidently, and when bad light held up play for 2 hours on Day 4, this enabled Statham to come back refreshed and took 7 wickets in 22 overs for 31 runs, bowling unchanged throughout an innings which lasted almost four hours.

Finishing with figures of 7 for 39, these would prove to be his best Test figures.