7 Facts you should know about the very first Test Match

#6 Golden Match Rewards

Blackham – A career kick-started by Pooley’s absence

As was the custom, the “gate money” – money collected from the spectators was equally divided between both the sides and England by virtue of their loss received just that and managed to just break even. The Australians, who won by 45 runs, were of course richly rewarded – each player was presented with a gold watch by the Victoria Cricket Association.

The public also pooled in to present a lump sum to Bannerman for his century, medium pacer Thomas Kendall for his 7 wicket riot in England’s second innings and wicket-keeper Blackham for his astute keeping behind the stumps.