Celebrating the Historic First Test Match: Australia vs. England in 1877

New Delhi, March 15: Test cricket is regarded as the pinnacle of the sport. Played over five days and four innings, this format allows players to showcase their skills, whether they are bowlers or batsmen. It tests not only talent but also patience and commitment to the game. Those who cannot withstand this scrutiny often find success elusive in Test cricket.

The history of Test cricket is rich and storied. The first official Test match took place from March 15 to 19, 1877, between Australia and England. This match marked the beginning of a great tradition in Test cricket, which remains thrilling even in the era of T20 formats.

The inaugural Test was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australian captain Dave Gregory won the toss and opted to bat first. Except for opening batsman Charles Bannerman, none of the other players could effectively handle the English bowlers.

Before retiring hurt, Bannerman scored an impressive 165 runs. Tom Garrett was the second-highest scorer with an unbeaten 18 runs. Jack Blackham contributed 17 runs, Bransby Cooper added 15, and Tom Horan scored 12. Apart from these four, no other batsman managed to reach double digits. Australia posted a total of 245 runs in their first innings.

For England, Alfred Shaw and James Southerton each took three wickets, while Allen Hill and James Lillywhite Jr. claimed one wicket apiece.

In England’s first innings, opener Harry Jupp scored 63 runs, followed by Harry Charlwood with 36 and Allen Hill, who remained not out at 35. Thanks to these contributions, England reached 196 runs, trailing Australia by 49 runs.

Australia’s Billy Midwinter took five wickets, while Tom Garrett took two, and John Hodges, Tom Kendall, and Nat Thomson each took one wicket.

Australia collapsed for just 104 runs in their second innings.

Alfred Shaw excelled for England with five wickets, while George Ulyett took three, and Allen Hill and James Lillywhite each took one wicket.

With a first-innings lead of 49 runs, Australia set England a target of 154 runs for victory. However, England’s batting faltered again in their second innings, collapsing for just 108 runs.

Tom Kendall took seven wickets for Australia, while John Hodges claimed two and Billy Midwinter took one.

Thus, Australia won the first official Test match by 45 runs. This match not only marked the inception of Test cricket but also ignited the thrilling rivalry between Australia and England, which later evolved into the Ashes.

Here’s a look at the playing elevens from the first official Test:

Australia’s Playing Eleven:
Charles Bannerman, Nat Thomson, Tom Horan, Dave Gregory (captain), Bransby Cooper, Billy Midwinter, Ned Gregory, Jack Blackham (wicketkeeper), Tom Garrett, Tom Kendall, John Hodges.

England’s Playing Eleven:
Harry Jupp, John Selby (wicketkeeper), Harry Charlwood, George Ulyett, Andrew Greenwood, Tom Armitage, Alfred Shaw, Tom Emmett, Allen Hill, James Lillywhite (Jr.) (captain), James Southerton.