It was once one of the biggest milestones in English sport: 1,000 first-class runs before the end of May. W.G. Grace called it the crowning point of his career. Bradman felt more anxious chasing it than for any Test match. For decades, it thrilled fans and symbolised the start of the season, but in recent years it seemed consigned to history — a casualty of rain, green pitches, and shrinking fixture lists. Yet now, in the unlikeliest of times, Marcus Harris is a genuine chance to join the likes of Grace, Bradman, Hammond and Hick. How did this forgotten feat come back into view?