The first legally recognized test match was contested between England and Australia on March 15–19, 1877, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with Australia winning by 45 runs. The match is also regarded as the first of the "classic tests" due to its length and importance to both countries at that time.
It is generally accepted that early matches in Australia were not considered tests nor were they played for prize money. However, this particular match did receive official status from the Melbourne Cricket Club and thus it can be regarded as the first test match.
An English team called The Australians had been touring India when the announcement was made that the MCG would be used for a series of matches called "The Australian Tour". The Australians were scheduled to play four matches, two against local teams and two against an England XI. It was during this tour that Fred Morley, who was responsible for introducing cricket to Australia, convinced his friend Alexander Bannatyne to form a club in Melbourne called the Melbourne Cricket Club. The aim was to promote cricket in Victoria and provide a platform for Victorian players to show their skills. The Australians returned home after playing one match against the England XI and three matches against local teams.
In 1877, Australia and England played the first Test match in Melbourne. On that occasion, Australia won the game by 45 runs against England. This is the only Test match to date that has been tied.
Test cricket has its origins in the early 19th century UK. The earliest known written reference to a "test" event comes from John Nyren in his 1828 book "On the Choice of a Cricket Ground" where he says "A challenge cup will not only be an acceptable present but also a valuable addition to any garden". This refers to the challenge cup series that was popular at the time between English county teams. The term "test" came into common use around this time.
The first official test match took place between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. The match was held over five days from 15 March 1877 and ended with Australia winning by 45 runs.
There have been 25 more test matches since then with Australia being on top with 13 wins and 12 losses. The two countries have never met on home soil in a test match which makes this series particularly interesting. England has the advantage of playing in more number of venues with more experienced players but Australia is not to be ignored either.
Australia won the match by a score of 45 runs. Australia won the first toss in test cricket and elected to bat in the first test match. Australia recorded the first ever win when they defeated England by 45 runs in the first test match. Australia recorded the first ten-wicket victory against England in Melbourne in 1879. Charles Bannerman made an unbeaten century on debut and Warren Bardsley took ten wickets in the match.
This is the first of three tests that were played between these two teams that year. The second test ended in a draw with no playings after the third day because of rain. Australia went into the final test with a 1-0 series lead. This test was also known as "The Derby" because it was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia's George Giffen scored an unbeaten century and Warren Bardsley took ten wickets as they secured their first series victory over England.
It was also during this tour that Australia's first world champion, Billy Burke, earned his living by bowling for an English team. The Australian captain Alexander Bannatyne told him he could choose his own team and not be given anything else out of the prize money so he picked himself. He toured with four friends and they all shared the prize money of £100 (A$2500 today).
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