List of England batters to score a century at Old Trafford in Test cricket

Old Trafford has had a history of seeing the captain delivering some mega knocks, and some of the finest names in that elite list includes the great Benjamin Stokes. Undoubtedly, he is one among the England batters to score a century at Old Trafford in Test cricket and where history stands, then, besides Stokes, it has also seen some prominent names belonging to the mighty English side like Sir Cook, the great Denis Compton. What is rather interesting to note in the list of England batters to score a century at Old Trafford in Test cricket is that no fewer than 35. That is no ordinary feat; this is a rather serious number and one that would perhaps see Indians, contesting at the other end, coming up with their own fine tons.

With several batters in form in this series on either side, such as Joe Root and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jamie Smith and KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Ben Duckett, and not to forget, the rising Shubman Gill, one can be hopeful of seeing more tons coming to the fore at Old Trafford. But before that, let us dig into some serious numbers from England's side when it comes to Test tons at this mega Test match venue.

Here's a list of England batters to score a century at Old Trafford in Test cricket:

Michael Atherton's determined outing at Old Trafford

He's been known to be patient, resilient and someone whose quiet powers of focus were simply redoubtable. 

A former captain of England and such a fine analyst of the present-day game who gives nuanced opinions from the commentary box, Atherton has been in a league of his own at Old Trafford.

The dedicated right hander played 10 Tests at the venue from which he scored 729 runs at a respetable average of 40. His notable contests against the likes of against India, versus whom he scored 131 in 1990, and the 111 versus the New Zealand a patient knock that came off 281 deliveries, saw Atherton defying some very capable bowling attacks back in the day.

Ben Stokes' respectable record at Old Trafford in Manchester

It is hardly a surprise that the current England captain happens to be on the list of England batters to score a century at Old Trafford in Test cricket. In fact, heading into this Test match, Stokes' brilliance with the bat at this venue will remind his opponents of just why they should not take him any lightly.

Hardly a doubt.

Besides his 176, a glorious knock at Old Trafford that came back in the day, versus the West Indies who came to England in 2020, Stokes has scored 579 runs. He has faced, as on date, 1000 deliveries at this ground. He's also scored two tons here, not just one.

Should India watch out for Stokes against India here - it's hardly a doubt.

Denis Compton's incredible feat in 1955 in Manchester

It was actually seven decades back in the day, 1955 to be precise, when Sir Denis Compton, a batting great from England scored a majestic 158 in Manchester. Surely, the Test conditions back then were challenging with the bowlers having much of a say in the contest in comparison to the contemporary conditions in today's day and age where batters often dominate. 

The great knock of 158 by Sir Compton, among the England batters to score a century at Old Trafford in Test cricket, achieved this feat against South Africa. 

And legend has it that when Sir Compton scored his famous hundred, he arrived at the ground sans his usual cricket bag (or kit) and the ton was scored using a cricket bat borrowed from within the stadium's facilities, perhaps a museum. 

Sir Alastair Cook's impressive record at Old Trafford

One of the great men from His Majesty's kingdom, who is among the England batters to score a century at Old Trafford in Test cricket is none other than Sir Alastair Cook.

As a matter of fact, besides his highest score being 127, which was in his maiden outing at the venue, circa 2006 against Pakistan, the legendary left-hander scored 685 runs from 1348 deliveries he faced at this ground.

His batting average of 57 represents some of the finest feats ever achieved by any English batter at this venue. Known for his stern powers of concentration and for batting for long periods of time, the present-day England team will draw inspiration from Cook's mastery at Old Trafford. Something they'll surley miss. 

FAQs

How many English batters have scored a Test ton at Old Trafford, Manchester?

16 English Test batters have scored at least 2 or more centuries at this venue.

Who has scored the most number of Test tons at Old Trafford in an English shirt?

Three English batters have scored 3 Test centuries at the venue, Ben Stokes' 176 is a remarkable score here.