On This Day In 2003: Graeme Smith Became the First South African Batter to Score a Double Hundred at Lord’s

Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith took the world by storm in 2003 when he played a fine knock at the Lord’s against England. Competing in the second Test of their bilateral series on August 2, the South African ace notched a whopping 259 runs to secure one of the most dominant away victories in history.

The Proteas had won that match by an innings and 92 runs. Smith also became the first-ever South African cricketer to score a double hundred at Lord’s. It was the second-highest score registered by any batsman at Lord’s in Tests. The first place is held by England’s Graham Gooch who had scored 333 against India.

South Africa has produced several generational batters in history but not many had the same flair and elegance as their icon Graeme Craig Smith.

Widely known for his spectacular batting and astute leadership, Smith was a colossus as the team’s captain. In the game against England, the Proteas won the toss and elected to bat first. An impressive five-wicket haul from Makhaya Ntini helped the visiting side curb England at 173. But this bowling spell was not much compared to what happened next.

Leading his team’s first innings, Graeme Smith rocketed off with a fast 79-ball fifty. He also surpassed the 1000 Test runs mark on the game’s first day. Smith’s relentless batting charge continued on the second day as he notched a century in just 155 deliveries.

Gary Kirsten joined the captain in the action, notching his century in 229 balls. The duo also broke their team’s record for the highest 2nd wicket partnership against England. The previous record was held by Jacques Kallis and Kirsten who scored 238 in Manchester, 1998.

Eventually, Graeme Smith finished the second day with a historic double century. The South African skipper’s wrath continued on the third day of the match. He reached the 250-run mark off 350 balls and was ultimately dismissed for 259 by James Anderson. Smith had notched 34 boundaries during his jaw-dropping knock.

South Africa declared the innings after reaching a total of 682. Another five-wicket haul from Makhaya Ntini sealed a victory for England. The Proteas eventually won that series 3-2 over the hosts.