OTD | Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart played their 100th Test in 2000

August 3, 2000, marked a significant day in the annals of English cricket. Two stalwarts of the England cricket team, Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart, celebrated a unique achievement at Old Trafford as they both played their 100th Test match. This milestone was not just a testament to their endurance and skill but also to their crucial roles in a struggling England side during the 1990s.

However, the day was marred by typical Manchester weather, with rain allowing only 42 overs of play. Yet, the occasion held a special place in the hearts of English cricket fans, as two of their most dedicated players reached this significant landmark together. Atherton was 32 years old and battling a troublesome back, while Stewart, at 37, was still as agile as ever, performing double duty as both batsman and wicketkeeper.

Chairman of Selectors David Graveney had expressed concerns on the eve of the match about the future of the England team without these two players, acknowledging that replacing them would be no easy task. This concern was understandable, as both Atherton and Stewart had been pillars of the English batting lineup for years.

A dramatic match which turned tables!

The match itself had its moments of drama. After England bowled out the West Indies for a paltry 157. Atherton struggled at the crease, managing only a single run before being dismissed by the formidable Courtney Walsh. 

It was Stewart who stole the show, walking in at a precarious 17 for 3. Faced with the ferocious pace of Walsh and Curtly Ambrose, Stewart played a masterful innings, showcasing his class and resilience. His knock of 105, which included 13 boundaries, was a scintillating display of batting that rescued England from a dire situation.

Stewart’s century was particularly special as it made him only the fourth player in history to score a century in his 100th Test, joining the elite company of Colin Cowdrey, Gordon Greenidge, and Javed Miandad. Although his innings ended the next morning when he edged Ambrose to the slip cordon, his performance had already cemented its place in cricketing folklore.

The match ultimately ended in a draw, with rain playing spoilsport once again. Atherton, who managed 28 runs in the second innings, would retire from international cricket the following summer. Stewart, on the other hand, continued to serve England with distinction until the age of 40.

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