England beat Australia by five wickets

by A.C. de Silva

In the good old days the game of cricket took root in a number of countries and the first Test match in England was played at the Kennington Oval in Surrey (England) on Monday September 6 in 1880.

This incidentally was the fourth Test match played between the two countries and England fielded eight debutants, including W.G. Grace and his brothers Edward Mills - who faced the first ball while opening the balling with 'W.G.' - and George Frederick.

The match had originally been intended as Surrey playing Australia but Club Secretary Charles Alcock was instrumental in arranging the first Test match in England instead.

On his Test debut William Gilbert Grace became the first player to score a century for England and the first on a Test debut. He made 152 before he was out as England were bowled out for 420. W.G. Grace and Lucas shared the first century partnership (120 for the second wicket).

Australia made 149 in reply and captain Lord Harris informed - the England skipper enforced the follow-on.

In their second innings the Aussies somewhat made a positive approach and made 327 but England struggled, despite needing just 56 for victory, the English team reached 57 for the loss of five wickets to win the game.

Many interesting features

(This Test had many interesting features attached to it a.)

a) The FIRST Test Century on debut for England in England. The ONLY Englishman to score a century against Australia in England on debut. This Test had many interesting features attached to it. The FIRST test century on debut for England. The FIRST Test century for England in England. The ONLY Englishman to score a century against Australia in England on debut. The FIRST hundred partnership in a Test match.