The Birth of Test Cricket

The touring England cricket side which played the first ever test series in Australia, 1887/88 (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto/Getty Images)

A Day in History - 19th March 1877

Test cricket has never been under as much threat as it is today - largely from T20 franchises emerging from all corners of the world. In 2022, England Test head coach Brendon McCullum and Captain Ben Stokes made a bid to 'save' test cricket with the introduction of 'Bazball' into the test arena. This aggressive form of test cricket has revitalised the longest format of the game and won both tests and hearts alike. Their innovative approach echoes the introduction of test cricket nearly 150 years ago.

In late 1876, James Lillywhite Jr led his band of Englishmen to New Zealand and Australia, taking cricket to the other side of the world in a paddle-steamer. Lillywhite and English were relatively weak, with the clear omission of W.G. Grace, the premier cricketer of the time, alongside their only specialist wicketkeeper, Ted Pooley, who remained in New Zealand after a disputed bet ended in a brawl.

A newly renovated MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) hosted the match to a bumper crowd, which reached an estimated 12,000 on the fourth day. The Combined Australia XI batted first in an innings that included the first-ever test match run and subsequent hundred of the gentlemen's game. As soon as Australian opener Charles Bannerman retired hurt for 165, their innings collapsed to 245 all out. In the next 865 test matches played by Australia, this score still remains the highest-ever score by an Australian on debut.

England began well in the chase, with opener Harry Jupp and No.3, Harry Charlwood, scoring 63 and 36 respectively. It was noted in The Argus that England was aided by some 'reckless' Australian fielding alongside the first example of controversial umpiring in Ashes history, as Jupp allegedly dislodged a bail with his foot and was given not out. (1) Unlike a certain nick from Stuart Broad, this mistake did not cost Australia, as England was eventually dismissed for 196.

Lillywhite's bowlers fought back strongly. The 'high priest of length', Alfred Shaw, picked up the first-ever test 5-fer, with figures of 5-38. By the close of the 3rd day, Australia had been reduced to 83 for 9. It was only for a last-wicket stand of 29 that the hosts were able to reach triple figures.

A photograph of Alfred Shaw, Circa 1895

Requiring 153 for victory, England was bundled out within two hours as Australia wrapped the match up to conclude the very first test match by 45 runs on the 19th of March 1877. Whilst England may have lost, the public was drawn into this new form of cricket, a form characterised by the strength of the two sides, an examination of physical and mental endurance, a true 'test' of cricketing ability.

Test Cricket was born.

1. The Combination Cricket Match. Second Day, The Argus, p.5, 17 March 1877