1877 — The First Test
In March 1877 a combined Australian XI played James Lillywhite's touring English professionals at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match was not billed as a 'Test' at the time — the label was applied retrospectively — but it is now recognised as Test cricket's starting point.
Charles Bannerman faced the first delivery and went on to make the first Test century, retiring hurt on 165. Australia won by 45 runs, a margin that would echo a century later.
The fixture established the pattern that still defines the format: two innings each, no time limit imposed by television, and a contest measured in sessions rather than moments.
- Ground
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Result
- Australia won by 45 runs
- First century
- Charles Bannerman, 165 retired hurt
