By Gareth James
Sam Northeast has admitted it was beyond a dream to become the highest individual scorer at the world’s most famous cricket ground.
Northeast made history for Glamorgan in Vitality County Championship Division Two after hitting the highest first-class score recorded at Lord’s against Middlesex.
The captain hit 335 not out to overtake Graham Gooch’s 333 for England against India in 1990 and put on an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 299 with Colin Ingram (132 not out) before Glamorgan declared on 620 for three.
Sam Robson was the first to fall for Middlesex seven runs short of a century but the hosts finished day two trailing by 482 runs with nine wickets remaining.
Northeast struck 36 fours and six sixes in his 412-ball effort.
On repeat https://t.co/ShV1L48RNg
— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) April 7, 2024
“To break a record like that is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Northeast.
“It blew my mind. I got pretty nervous at the end when I was nearing it as it’s a privilege to play here.
“I didn’t think about it until I was on about 330, a member told me as I was walking out [after lunch] and I forgot about it, then started thinking about it again when I got near it.
“I was thinking about the game situation but then with the personal milestone, I had to make sure I got it.
An historic day at the @HomeOfCricket – incredible innings from Sam Northeast for @GlamCricket. What a way to start the @CountyChamp season.#Cricket #CountyChampionship pic.twitter.com/Dvn9ZnPZPB
— David Friend (@David_Friend01) April 6, 2024
“When I feel good, I stay in my bubble and play at my tempo. The pitch is pretty good and the Kookaburra ball doesn’t do a huge amount so it was perfect conditions to get a big score like at Leicestershire [in 2022].
“It was a special day, but we’ve got a match to win and it’s not going to be easy. We’ve got to find ways and be imaginative.”