Wisden
One-Day International

England v Australia 1970-71

Jonathan Hungin

The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack of 1972 did not carry a report of this match, as at the time it was thought to have been a one-off arrangement. The 40-over game (eight-ball overs) was hastily arranged after the fifth Test of the 1970-71 Ashes series, at Melbourne, was washed out. The Australian authorities were mildly amazed when over 46,000 spectators turned up.

It was a relatively low-scoring affair. John Edrich made the first one-day international half-century, and top-scored with 82. England set Australia 191 to win, and they got there with 6.2 overs to spare. Ian Chappell, soon to take over as Australia's captain, made 60.

© John Wisden & Co