†AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND 1982-83

At Sydney, January 11. Australia won by 31 runs. In the first day-night match of the competition England put Australia in, thereby committing themselves to batting under lights, which five of their side had previously done only in practice. Against an England attack containing two off-spinners, Miller and Marks, who shared five wickets between them, and Jesty, making his first appearance of the tour, Australia were reduced to 132 for seven, several wild strokes being played. Lawson's 33, made from No. 8, proved important. Needing 181 to win, England batted poorly in front of a large, loud and partisan crowd. Even with the help of 35 extras they were bowled out for 149, only Lamb making over 20. Although not the truest of pitches, it was certainly not a bad one. Australia relied on speed, Lawson, Thomson, Hogg and Rackemann making a testing quartet. Dyson missed a simple catch when he was blinded by one of the six nests of lights, a much rarer occurrence at Sydney than might be expected.

Man of the Match: C. G. Rackemann. Attendance: 42,030.