Fagg-only batsman to score double hundreds in each innings of a match

Sampath Bandara

There are nearly 200 double centuries recorded in first class and Test Cricket. But there is only one instance of a batsman scoring a double century in each innings in first class cricket. The batsman was Arthur Fagg (England).

Arthur Fagg scored 244 in the first innings and 202 not out in the second innings for Kent vs Essex at Colchester in 1938, the only occasion of a batsman scoring two double centuries in the same match.

Arthur Edward Fagg (1915 - 1977) was a right hand opening batsman and reliable slip fielder who played two Tests against India in 1936, and toured Australia in 1936-37. In the County Championships he scored 1000 runs thirteen times. But unfortunately he played only five tests for England. He scored only 150 runs (Ave 18.75) highest 39.

Believe or not there is not a single century or half century scored by him in Test Cricket. Arthur Fagg’s first class career (1932-1957) was excellent. He scored 27,291 runs (Ave 36.05) including 58 centuries, and bagged 421 catches. After retirement he served as an umpire. He was one of the best umpires for over eighteen years. First double century in a single innings took place at Lord’s on July 24, 1820, when W. Ward hit 278 for M.C.C. Vs Norfolk.

The first double century in Test cricket was scored by the former Australian Captain W.L. Murdoch (211) Vs England at the Oval in 1884.

Ceylon’s First double century scored by Col. T.Y. Wright (202 not out) for the Kandy Sports Club against the Matale Sports Club on the Bogambara Grounds Kandy in 1899.

Most double centuries in first class matches is by Don Bradman (37), Bradman also holds the record for the most hundreds in Test cricket (with 12 double centuries).