A first Test century for the skipper, Mike Denness hit 118 against India at Lord’s in 1974, in one of only two Tests he played at the Home of Cricket, which both came that summer.
England were already in a suitably strong position when Denness strode out to the crease at 337 for 2, thanks to 188 from Dennis Amiss. Wisden documented that Denness was ‘full of style and artistry’ in reaching his first Test hundred, particularly using his feet well to the slow bowlers.
His century came from 220 balls, included twelve fours and took just over four hours. He put on 202 for the fifth wicket with Tony Greig, who made 106, as England piled up a mammoth total of 629.
A tired Indian line-up did manage to score 302 all out in reply but collapsed to 42 all out as England won by an innings and 285 runs, and went on to win the three-match series 3-0.