John Edrich made the honours boards for the first time when he hit 120 for england in a rain-dominated ashes clash at lord's in 1964.

A compact, technically secure left-hander. Edrich was particularly notable for his courage against fast bowling, once batting on undefeated for 2 ½ hours after a ball from Dennis Lillee broke his rib.

In a rain-ruined match John Edrich’s fine, composed 120 was one of few highlights. After rain washed out the first two days the chances of a result were always slim, but Edrich’s resolute performance saw England claim a first innings lead of 70. He batted more than five hours, hitting nine fours and two sixes, before being the eighth man out with the lead well-established.

England chipped away at the Australian second innings but further rain after lunch on the final day decided matters in the end.