Not only did they get off to a flier in the third rain-interrupted Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford but they were also honouring two team-mates.
Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart were being honoured for reaching 100 Test appearances.
The pair received special caps from England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Lord MacLaurin to mark the century of matches, while Lancashire president Sir Patrick Russell made a presentation on behalf of the club in front of the pavilion.
Atherton and Stewart complete a list of seven Englishmen to achieve the feat.
They join such cricketing legends as Colin Cowdrey, Geoff Boycott, David Gower, Ian Botham and Graham Gooch.
And they are now in an exclusive club of 23 players in world cricket to reach a century of appearances.
On Thursday, the West Indies won the toss and elected to bat.
It meant Stewart and Atherton had to wait to bat in their centenary innings.
Atherton was proud to reach the milestone.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: "To play in 100 Tests you have to play fairly consistently on a consistent basis."
Atherton said he was close to quitting playing for England last year because of his back problems.
Cavalier
But he has returned and says he is in great form.
He described Stewart as his favourite co-opener and said Stewart was brave because he has always refused to change his cavalier batting style.
He said: "I think the contrasting styles work well."
Atherton made his England debut against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1989 where he made nought in his first innings.
Stewart first played for England a few months later when he made his debut against the West Indies in Jamaica.
Both made the ultimate grade to become England captains.
Atherton was appointed in 1993 for the fifth Test against Australia but resigned in 1998 after a West Indies series defeat.
Stewart succeeded Atherton and was immediately successful but lost it to Nasser Hussain in 1999.
Both have said they are enjoying their cricket and hope their international careers will continue for years to come.