‘Athers’ would go on to lead England in a record 54 Test matches before retirement saw him become an erudite voice in The Times newspaper and prominent commentator for Sky Sports.
The stubborn batsman ended up with 151 in the rain affected draw at Trent Bridge against New Zealand, which came from a typically-gutsy 382 balls.
At the age of 22, he was at the time England’s youngest century-maker since David Gower 12 years earlier. Alastair Cook would go on to beat the mark.
Other memorable events in history today:
1880: John Lee Richmond pitches first major league perfect game as Worcester beat Cleveland 1-0.
1930: Max Schmeling becomes first boxer to win heavyweight title on a foul due to Jack Sharkey’s low blow.
1965: Morio Shigematsu runs world record marathon of 2:12:00.
1997: Leeds United sign little-known striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who would score 42 goals in 84 games.
