This is the Google Doodle of the day, how the name ‘Test’ came into existence. It was when the first ever match was played between England and Australia way back in 1877. That is 140 years back! So, how did the name get coined?
The name was coined when that game between England and Australia started in 15 March 1877 and ended on 19 March 1877. It was so long and taxing on the body and the mind that they gave a name for it, ‘TEST’. Apt, isn’t it? Australia won that epic by 45 runs and the game had incepted. In that match, Australia batted first and managed to score just 245 runs but C. Bannerman had already made a name for himself, he scored 165 of 285 balls, not bad even today. His innings was laced with 18 boundaries. England folded soon in their first innings for 196. Midwinter for Australia had got a fifer. Australia had taken a 49 run lead. They were horrendous in their second innings, the Australians got a mere 104 and set England a not-so easy 153 to win on a crumbling wicket.
Kendell in the last innings ripped through the English line-up, picking 7 wickets to land up on the winning side and create history in the process. England were all out for 108 runs and the world had witnessed the first ever Test match.
Today
Test cricket is 140 years old
ODI cricket is 46 years -2months-10 days old
T20I cricket is 12 years-26 days old#internationalcricket— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 15, 2017
A few interesting facts about the match:
Only four balls per over.
Alfred Shaw, was the bowler who bowled the first Test delivery to Charles Bannerman, who went on to become the first Test centurion. Hill had both the first Test wicket and the first catch. Midwinter picked up the first 5 wicket haul, and Blackham had the first stumping.
#OnThisDay in 1877, the first ever Test began. Australia’s Charles Bannerman faced the 1st ball from England’s Alfred Shaw at the @MCG. pic.twitter.com/oSgprlhNvI
— ICC (@ICC) March 15, 2017
Southerton is still the oldest Test debutant at 49 years 119 days.
Attendances on the four 4 days were approximately 4500, 4000 10000, 2000
