Society, economy & sport

The first Test match in cricket

from 15 March 1877 to 19 March 1877

On 15 March 1877 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, an English touring side led by James Lillywhite played a combined Australian team under Dave Gregory in what is now regarded as the first Test match. Australia, with Charles Bannerman making 165 before retiring hurt, won by 45 runs. The match was not called a Test at the time. After Australia beat England in England for the first time on 29 August 1882 at The Oval, the Sporting Times published a mock obituary of English cricket saying the body would be cremated and 'the ashes taken to Australia', giving rise to the Ashes.

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The era

This moment belongs to the Industrial era (1760 CE to 1914 CE), steam, factories and revolutions. You can also browse everything in the 19th century.