Test cricket, the most prestigious format of the game, turns 148 today. The longest and purest form of cricket has seen legends prioritize it over franchise leagues, with stars like Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell stepping away from shorter formats to don the whites.
The journey of Test cricket began on March 15, 1877, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the first official Test match in history was played. That historic game set the stage for cricket’s most enduring format, witnessing the first run, the first wicket, and the first century—all milestones that shaped the sport.
The first-ever century in Test cricket was scored by Australia’s Charles Bannerman, who made 165 runs in the inaugural match. England's Nat Thomson was the first batter to be dismissed, while the first wicket was taken by Allen Hill. Australia emerged victorious in the first Test, winning by 45 runs.
In November 1876, an England team, led by James Lillywhite, embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, primarily for commercial purposes rather than competitive cricket. At that time, Australia did not have a centralized national team, so the English side played matches against various state teams as part of their financial venture.
Lillywhite's squad consisted entirely of professional cricketers, which meant that legendary amateur player WG Grace was not included in the tour. After visiting New Zealand, the English team returned to Australia, where they were challenged by the states of Victoria and New South Wales to play a competitive match.
On March 15, 1877, this historic match began at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, featuring England’s professional squad against a combined team from New South Wales and Victoria. Initially, the match was not considered an international fixture. However, over time, it was officially recognized as the first-ever Test match, marking the birth of cricket's most revered format.
Since then, Test cricket has stood the test of time, evolving into a battle of skill, patience, and endurance. Today, as it celebrates its 148th anniversary, the format continues to symbolize the essence of the gentleman's game.
