In late 2024, Julian Laird was awarded the prestigious Walter Lawrence Schools Trophy at Lord’s, recognizing his outstanding 157* against the MCC. This remarkable feat not only earned him the accolade but also underscored his place in the long history of the Walter Lawrence Trophy, which celebrates the fastest century of the English cricket season. Laird’s score, the highest by a school player in 2024, marked a significant milestone for both him and the award.
The Walter Lawrence Trophy, introduced in 1934 by Sir Walter Lawrence, initially honored the fastest century in first-class cricket. A passionate cricket fan and master builder who founded his own cricket ground at Hyde Hall, Lawrence envisioned the Trophy as a way to celebrate exceptional batting performances. Over the years, the Trophy’s scope has expanded to include awards for male and female professionals, university players, and school players.
Laird who came through the Oxfordshire Pathway before graduating to the Sussex Academy as part of the Oxfordshire and Sussex Partnership becomes the first Oxfordshire player to win the Schools category, which was established in 2011. The award’s evolution mirrors the changes in modern cricket, with the Trophy now recognizing rapid centuries across various formats, including T20s, 50-over competitions, and international formats such as ODIs and Test matches. Past winners of the Walter Lawrence Trophy include some of cricket’s greatest names—Ken Barrington, Viv Richards, Ian Botham, and Adam Gilchrist. The 2023 winner, Sean Abbott, set a new benchmark with a blistering century off just 34 balls.
The Trophy’s criteria have adapted over time. Initially limited to first-class cricket, it was expanded in 1985 to reward the fastest centuries based on balls faced rather than minutes. In 2008, it broadened further to include domestic competitions like The Hundred and the Vitality Blast. The addition of separate categories for female cricketers in 2012 and university players in 1996 reflects the Trophy’s commitment to recognizing talent at all levels of the game.
Sir Walter Lawrence, a true cricket enthusiast, built Hyde Hall for county teams, and the Trophy he created lives on. After his passing in 1939, the award lay dormant until 1965 when Brian Thornton, who inherited the Trophy, revived it with the support of the MCC. This revival helped the Trophy grow into its current form, which celebrates the fastest centuries across all cricket formats.
The annual award ceremony, held in the iconic Long Room at Lord’s, brings together players, media, and cricket fans to celebrate these exceptional achievements. Julian Laird’s victory not only highlights his performance against the MCC but also cements his place among the next generation of cricketing stars.
Oxfordshire and Sussex Coach and Magdalen College School Cricket Professional, Alan Duncan said:
Watching Julian perform so well against the MCC bowling attack and throughout the summer highlights how much he has developed over the past 12 to 15 months. His clean ball-striking ability and the way he manipulated the field to put pressure on the MCC side were impressive for someone of his age.
Interview with Julian Laird
Julian, congratulations on winning the Walter Lawrence Schools Trophy! How does it feel to receive such a prestigious accolade at Lord’s?
“Thanks! It feels amazing to receive this award, especially at a venue like Lord’s. The awards dinner evening was really special. I think it’ll also serve as a motivator to push higher in my game.”
Your knock of 157 against the MCC was a standout performance. Can you take us through that innings and how you approached it?*
“It was a great day, although it was really hot. I just tried to stay focused and play my natural game. I took my time early on, then built some momentum as the innings went on.”
Winning the Walter Lawrence Schools Trophy places you alongside some of cricket’s greatest names. What does it mean to you personally to join that list of legendary players?
“It’s a great landmark for me to be able to see where I am so far, and again it’s very motivating to see who has won the award in previous years.”
As the first Oxfordshire player to win this award, does it feel like you’re representing your county on a bigger stage? How important is your connection to Oxfordshire in your cricket journey?
“Oxfordshire has been a real platform in my journey so far and I will always be grateful to all the coaches and for the support that has helped me up to this point.”
The Walter Lawrence Trophy has such a rich history. Did you know much about it before winning, and what was your understanding of its significance?
“I didn’t know a lot about the trophy before I heard I’d won it, but I was aware it’s an incredibly prestigious award. This meant of course I was very proud to have won it, it’s a great honour!”