7 Facts you should know about the very first Test Match

#3 A united Australian team

The united Australian XI

Australian cricket, at that time, also had their fair share of problems – due to the continual tiffs between Victoria and New South Wales. With much difficulty, a combined Australian XI comprising of established players from both sides was put together.

However, as soon as Frederick Spofforth - Australia’s leading fast bowler at that time – came to know that Jack Blackham of Victoria has been chosen as wicketkeeper over his New South Wales teammate Billy Murdoch, he backed out.

The selectors however, were able to rope in quick replacements, which resulted in a united Australian team for the first time ever – which is one of the key reasons, why this match was designated in due course as the first International Test Match.