How all the nations fared on their Test debut

Australia and England: 15-19 March, 1877

Sport, Cricket, England tour to Australia 1876-1877

Result: Australia (245 & 104) beat England (196 & 261) by 45 runs

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

The first Test match in the history of the game was played between now Ashes rivals Australia and England. Australia won the match at the MCG by 45 runs. Contrary to modern day rules, each over had only 4 deliveries.

As one would imagine, the match had a lot of ‘Firsts’ including the first Test century and the first five-wicket haul in Test matches; but as fate would have it, the match also witnessed a record that has withstood the test of time even up until now. With Australia batting first after winning the toss, opener Charles Bannerman retired hurt at 165 not out with Australia at 240/7; and Australia eventually got bundled out for a score of 245. Bannerman scored 69.6% of his team’s runs excluding extras (there were 8 extras), a record that stands to date!