OTD 1877 The day Test cricket began

The first official Test match in cricket history started on March 15, 1877. This iconic encounter featured Australia and England, and it was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The Aussies were represented as a combined XI of New South Wales and Victoria. It turned out to be a low-scoring thriller, providing the ideal launchpad for the format.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. Charles Bannerman scored the first run in Test cricket history. On the other hand, his fellow opener, Nat Thomson, became the first batter to get dismissed, with Allen Hill bagging the wicket with the new ball. All the Australian batters struggled against the well-disciplined England bowlers except Bannerman. The right-handed batter played with a lot of patience and eventually became the first centurion in Test cricket. He hit 18 boundaries during his epic knock.

Bannerman eventually got retired hurt after scoring a fabulous 165, spending around 290 minutes at the crease. He split his index finger after being hit on his right hand by a ball from George Ulyett. Australia finished on 245, with Bannerman scoring 69.6% of his side’s runs from the bat. Alfred Shaw and James Southerton bagged three wickets apiece for England. The latter is still the oldest debutant in Test cricket history as he got his maiden cap at the age of 49 years and 119 days.

In reply, Harry Jupp scored a gritty half-century at the top of the order for England, scoring 63 runs in 241 balls and hitting two boundaries. Harry Charlwood (36) and Allen Hill (35*) also made handy contributions, but the touring side was eventually bowled out for 196. Billy Midwinter became the first cricketer to take a five-wicket haul. He finished with figures of 5/78 in 54 overs.

In the second innings, Australia were blown away by the England bowlers. Tom Hooran top-scored with a 32-ball 20. Meanwhile, Tom Kendall and John Hodges added 29 runs for the last wicket, which turned out to be crucial. Shaw bagged five wickets, while Ulyett took three.
In the fourth innings, the visitors needed to chase down a 154-run target. England wicketkeeper John Selby and Ulyett scored 38 and 24, respectively.

However, the rest of the batters couldn’t make much of an impact. England were eventually bowled out for 108. Kendall finished with magnificent figures of 7/55. Australia won the match by 45 runs. The match got over in four days, with one rest day.

Australia vs England XI, First-ever Test, 1877

England playing XI: Harry Jupp, John Selby (WK), Harry Charlwood, George Ulyett, Andrew Greenwood, Tom Armitage, Alfred Shaw, Tom Emmett, Allen Hill, James Lillywhite (C), James Southerton.

Australia playing XI: Charles Bannerman, Nat Thomson, Tom Horan, Dave Gregory (C), Bransby Cooper, Billy Midwinter, Ned Gregory, Jack Blackham (WK), Tom Garrett, Tom Kendall, John Hodges.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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