In what was to be the final over of Essex’s first innings, Lawrence – who had earlier reached three figures for the first time this season – took the attack to leg-spinner Matt Critchley.

The 23-year-old launched Critchley for three consecutive sixes and moved past 150 in dramatic style: a delivery wide outside off was swatted wristily by Lawrence down the ground for four. Lawrence ended up flat on his front, before getting up onto his knees and raising his bat. The landmark came up off 133 balls, containing 16 fours and six sixes.

Bad light put a halt to Essex’s innings after the over was completed and the holders of the County Championship declared on 412-3.

After nine County Championship innings this season, Lawrence has 481 runs at an average of 60.12.

Watch Lawrence move from 129 to 151 in four balls:

Unreal from Dan Lawrence!#CountyCricket2021pic.twitter.com/yoik10sSgd

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) May 14, 2021