Percy George Herbert Fender, better known as PGH Fender, was a noted English cricketer who played county cricket regularly before the Great War. Born on 22 August 1892, he went on to become one of the greatest captains of all time for Surrey. In a career spanning over 25 years, the all-rounder played in the first-class and scored 19,034 runs at an average of 26.65 and took 1,894 wickets at 25.05. He scored 21 centuries, including six double centuries.
His Test record was moderate; However, Fender was instrumental in mentoring the then English captain Douglas Jardine and helped him design the bodyline method of bowling attack during the 1932–33 Ashes series.
Fender was not only a fierce hitter of the ball, but was more reputed for his mix of medium pacers and, more importantly, for his shrewd and innovative leadership skills. However, on this day in 1920, 101 years ago, Fender entered the record books by scoring the fastest century ever in first-class cricket. Playing against Northampton, the legendary cricketer completed his century in just 35 minutes, which is still the shortest time to reach a century.
Fender’s 113-run blitzkrieg included 16 fours and a maximum of five runs and remained unbeaten. He also made an unbroken stand with teammate Alan Peach that lasted 42 minutes and added 171 runs to the team’s total. Although the exact number of balls was not known, experts suggest that a fender’s innings may have taken about 40 to 46 balls.
In reply, Northampton lost their openers and finished the day on 59/2. The next day the hosts put up some resistance, however, none of them made it big, and they scored 430 runs, giving the visitors a total of 118 runs to win. Surrey won by eight wickets and finished third that season, while Northamptonshire finished third from the bottom.
After a gap of 63 years, Lancashire’s Steve O’Shaughnessy equaled Fender’s feat in 1983 when he completed his century in 35 minutes against Leicestershire at Old Trafford.
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