The First Test Match: Australia vs England, 1877 CRICKET | History SOURCE: ESPNcricinfo; CricketArchive LAST UPDATED: 2026-09-19 READ TIME: 6 min read
DIRECT ANSWER
The first-ever Test match was played between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from 15 to 19 March 1877. Australia scored 245 in the first innings and won the match by 45 runs. The same winning margin was repeated by Australia in the 1977 Centenary Test at the MCG. For more information about cricket rules, history, and records, visit Cricket Rules, History & Records.
1. How the Match Came About
What it was: An English touring party of professional players, captained by James Lillywhite, was touring Australia and New Zealand. The match was played against a Combined Melbourne and Sydney XI, captained by Dave Gregory. Why it matters: The match was not called a "Test match" at the time. The term was applied retrospectively after historians recognised it as the first match between representative England and Australia sides that met the accepted criteria for Test cricket.
2. Bannerman's Record-Breaking 165
What happened: Australia won the toss and batted first. Opener Charles Bannerman faced the first ball of Test cricket, bowled by England's Alfred Shaw, and scored the first run. The record: Bannerman scored 165 runs before retiring hurt after an injury to his bowling hand. Australia's total was 245, meaning Bannerman scored roughly 67% of the team's runs. No other Australian batter scored more than 20, with Tom Garrett unbeaten on 18.
England were bowled out for 196 in their first innings, with Harry Jupp scoring 63. Australia's Billy Midwinter took 5 wickets for 78 runs, becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Australia then scored only 104 in their second innings, leaving England 153 runs to win. England were eventually bowled out for 108. Australia's Tom Kendall took 7 wickets for 55 runs, and Australia won the first Test by 45 runs. For more information about cricket dismissals, see Cricket Rules and Dismissal Methods.
4. Records Set in the First Test
Several important Test cricket records and milestones came from this match: First Test century: Charles Bannerman, 165First Test five-wicket haul: Billy Midwinter, 5/78First Test wicket: Allen Hill, dismissing Nat ThomsonFirst Test stumping: Jack BlackhamOldest Test debutant: James Southerton, aged 49 years and 119 daysHighest share of a team's runs: Charles Bannerman, approximately 67%
5. Why It Was Not Called a Test Match at the Time
The match was not officially described as a "Test match" when it was played in 1877. The term became established later as England-Australia representative cricket developed. The 1877 Melbourne match was subsequently recognised as the first Test match, and it remains Test No. 1 in official cricket records. Modern cricket also has detailed rules covering different dismissal methods. One important example is Cricket Rules and Regulations.
FAQs
When was the first Test match played?
The first Test match was played from 15 to 19 March 1877 between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Who won the first Test match?
Australia won the first Test match by 45 runs.
Who scored the first century in Test cricket?
Charles Bannerman of Australia scored the first Test century, making 165 runs.
Who took the first five-wicket haul in Test cricket?
Billy Midwinter took the first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with figures of 5/78.
Who captained Australia in the first Test?
Dave Gregory captained Australia.
Who captained England in the first Test?
James Lillywhite captained England.
Was the first Test officially called a Test match in 1877?
No. The term "Test match" was applied retrospectively. The match was later recognised as the first Test between Australia and England.
Sources & Verification
Verified against ESPNcricinfo and CricketArchive records for the first Test match at Melbourne, played from 15–19 March 1877. Last reviewed: 2026-09-19 by the Laws of Sport Editorial Team.
