Birthday special: Len Hutton – Top performances from English legend

The late Leonard Hutton, regarded as one of the greatest English batters of all time, was a nightmare for bowlers in the longest format of the game. The sturdy opener had a penchant for scoring big runs for his side, serving the country with his impeccable exploits for nearly two decades. On the famed cricketer’s 107th birth anniversary, we list some of his most memorable performances for the national team.

205 against West Indies, 1954

England headed to Kingston in the fifth and final match of the series against the West Indies with aspirations of drawing level in the five-match series. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first in the series decider. However, Windies’ grip on the series took a severe blow after a horrible batting performance saw them finish with a modest total of 139 runs in the first innings. England, in their reply, took a massive stride towards drawing level in the series after Leonard Hutton compiled a swashbuckling double-century. The influential opener single-handedly tormented the Windies bowlers to seal a famous victory for the Three Lions.

206 against New Zealand, 1949

England hosted New Zealand in the fourth and final Test match of the series at The Oval with hopes of sealing the series. Walter Hadlee’s visiting New Zealand side batted first in the contest and made a bright start to the series finale. Bert Sutcliffe and Verdun Scott stitched a 121-run opening stand to deflate the English bowlers in the initial stages of the match. However, the home side fought their way back into the contest after Leonard Hutton’s majestic 206 in the second innings. His innings helped the hosts take control of the proceeding as the match eventually fizzled into a draw.

364 against Australia, 1938

Hutton saved his career-best innings for his side’s clash against arch-rivals Australia at The Oval. Batting first in the innings, the classy opener compiled mind-boggling innings of 364 runs. He batted for three days straight, occupying the crease for 797 minutes, the most by any batter in an innings in Ashes history. His record-setting knock helped the home side post a mammoth total of 903 runs in the first innings, another Ashes record. The home side ran out comfortable victors in the end, finishing the series on level terms.