by Abhishek Mukherjee

Percy Fender did two incredible things on August 26, first in 1920, then in 1921.

In the first, he scored a hundred in 35 minutes, still the fastest in First-Class cricket by time – if one excludes innings in 'contrived circumstances'.

Subsequent research has shown he had taken something between 40 and 46 balls to get there.

He began about half an hour before tea. The fifty came in 19 minutes. He eventually remained not out on 113 in 42 minutes with 16 fours and 5 sixes (94 in boundaries).

A year later, Leicestershire were 21/1 (chasing 325) when play was supposed to begin on the last day.

Unfortunately, Thomas Sidwell, one of their not out batsmen, got lost in the London underground. So Aubrey Sharp walked out with John King.

But Surrey captain Fender would have none of it. Sidwell had been retired hurt or ill, he had assumed, so he was not amused when he saw a fit Sidwell taking lunch.

He walked up to William West and 'Sailor' Young, the umpires, insisting that Sidwell be given out.

West and Young agreed in principle, but they could not be sure. Fender did not give up. He made the Surrey Secretary call the MCC Secretary Francis.

Fender got his wicket. Sidwell was runed retired out.