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On this day, 1876, at Grimsby, WG Grace scored 400 not out against a 22-member team at Grimsby (all 22 took field).
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On the previous day, a telegram had arrived at the ground, carrying the message that Grace had become a father for the second time. He had treated everyone to champagne, raised a toast to his wife, then announced, "I should like to break a record and celebrate it".
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He carried his bat through the innings as United South of England XI were bowled out for 680.
Grace went to confirm from the scorers how much he had got (there was no way for him to track his individual score). 399, they told him.
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Grace went to confirm from the scorers how much he had got (there was no way for him to track his individual score). 399, they told him.
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He instructed them in that famous high-pitched voice: "Oh, make it 400." And in that time in England, his words were gospel.
So 680 became 681, and 399 became 400. Here is the CricketArchive scorecard footnote. Yes, he bullied the scorers.
So 680 became 681, and 399 became 400. Here is the CricketArchive scorecard footnote. Yes, he bullied the scorers.
