From Lillywhite to the end of the War
A look at the milestones from the first 75-odd years of Test cricket
Siddhartha Talya
09-Jul-2011
The MCG at the time of the first Test • ESPNcricinfo Ltd
March-April 1877
The birth of Test cricket
James Lillywhite's team took on a Combined Australian XI at the MCG in what came to be recognised as cricket's first-ever Test. The first delivery was bowled by Alfred Shaw to Charles Bannerman, who also became the first Test centurion. Billy Midwinter picked up the first five-wicket haul, and Ned Gregory was the first batsman to be dismissed for a duck. It was a timeless game, with four-ball overs. Australia won by 45 runs in four days, though England drew level in the second Test to end the series 1-1.
The birth of Test cricket
James Lillywhite's team took on a Combined Australian XI at the MCG in what came to be recognised as cricket's first-ever Test. The first delivery was bowled by Alfred Shaw to Charles Bannerman, who also became the first Test centurion. Billy Midwinter picked up the first five-wicket haul, and Ned Gregory was the first batsman to be dismissed for a duck. It was a timeless game, with four-ball overs. Australia won by 45 runs in four days, though England drew level in the second Test to end the series 1-1.
January 1879
The first hat-trick
Frederick Spofforth dismissed Vernon Royle, Francis MacKinnon and Tom Emmett in the first innings at the MCG to claim the first Test hat-trick and also finish with the first haul of 10 or more wickets in a Test - he bagged 13 in all. The only Test played that year, it was meant to be a timeless match, but finished in three days. Australia won by 10 wickets.
The first hat-trick
Frederick Spofforth dismissed Vernon Royle, Francis MacKinnon and Tom Emmett in the first innings at the MCG to claim the first Test hat-trick and also finish with the first haul of 10 or more wickets in a Test - he bagged 13 in all. The only Test played that year, it was meant to be a timeless match, but finished in three days. Australia won by 10 wickets.
September 1880
Test cricket arrives in England
In the first Test in the country, a hastily arranged affair at The Oval, WG Grace became the first England batsman to score a century. It was also the first instance of three brothers - WG, Edward and Fred Grace - playing the same Test. England won by five wickets and Wisden reported very favourable attendances over the course of the game. It was also the first time a team followed on in a Test.
Test cricket arrives in England
In the first Test in the country, a hastily arranged affair at The Oval, WG Grace became the first England batsman to score a century. It was also the first instance of three brothers - WG, Edward and Fred Grace - playing the same Test. England won by five wickets and Wisden reported very favourable attendances over the course of the game. It was also the first time a team followed on in a Test.
December 1881-January 1882
The first draw
In a timeless Test at the MCG, England and Australia played out the first draw, agreeing to a split result on the fourth day. Australia won the four-match series 2-0, with the last Test also drawn - the last drawn Test in Australia until 1946-47.
The first draw
In a timeless Test at the MCG, England and Australia played out the first draw, agreeing to a split result on the fourth day. Australia won the four-match series 2-0, with the last Test also drawn - the last drawn Test in Australia until 1946-47.
August 1882
The birth of the Ashes
A stunning seven-run win for Australia at The Oval, Fred Spofforth's 14-wicket haul, England's capitulation, and a mock obituary lamenting the death of English cricket marked the birth of what is still in most quarters seen as the sport's premier rivalry: the Ashes. It was also the first time a side was bowled out for under 100 in an innings.
The birth of the Ashes
A stunning seven-run win for Australia at The Oval, Fred Spofforth's 14-wicket haul, England's capitulation, and a mock obituary lamenting the death of English cricket marked the birth of what is still in most quarters seen as the sport's premier rivalry: the Ashes. It was also the first time a side was bowled out for under 100 in an innings.
1884
The Laws of cricket are laid down
A new code of laws was approved by the MCC. The 11-players-a-side rule was formalised, and so were the size and weight of the ball. Bowlers could bowl up to two consecutive overs but were allowed to change ends only twice in an innings. A batsman was out lbw only if the ball pitched in line with the stumps, while a follow-on was mandatory for a team batting second if their deficit was 80 runs or more.
The Laws of cricket are laid down
A new code of laws was approved by the MCC. The 11-players-a-side rule was formalised, and so were the size and weight of the ball. Bowlers could bowl up to two consecutive overs but were allowed to change ends only twice in an innings. A batsman was out lbw only if the ball pitched in line with the stumps, while a follow-on was mandatory for a team batting second if their deficit was 80 runs or more.
August 1884
The first double-hundred
It was a drawn Test at The Oval, but one with some records and unusual occurrences. Billy Murdoch became the first double-centurion, but the Test stood out as the first in which all 11 players bowled in an innings. Hon Alfred Lyttleton, the England wicketkeeper, bowled underarm lobs with pads on, and bagged 4 for 8 on day two.
The first double-hundred
It was a drawn Test at The Oval, but one with some records and unusual occurrences. Billy Murdoch became the first double-centurion, but the Test stood out as the first in which all 11 players bowled in an innings. Hon Alfred Lyttleton, the England wicketkeeper, bowled underarm lobs with pads on, and bagged 4 for 8 on day two.
1884-1885
The first five-Test series
In what would eventually become an Ashes tradition, England and Australia played a five-Test series for the first time. It was a heated series, with the teams disputing over payments and umpires, the Australian players striking, making way for a reserve team, and even having a different captain for each Test. England, led by Arthur Shrewsbury, won the series 3-2.
The first five-Test series
In what would eventually become an Ashes tradition, England and Australia played a five-Test series for the first time. It was a heated series, with the teams disputing over payments and umpires, the Australian players striking, making way for a reserve team, and even having a different captain for each Test. England, led by Arthur Shrewsbury, won the series 3-2.
July 1888
Twenty-seven wickets in a day
Wet weather in England meant a run of "sticky" pitches for the three-Test tour, much to the misery of the visiting team. Australia went past 100 just once in six innings. On the second day at Lord's, 27 wickets were lost - the most yet in a day - after a storm. In the third Test, at Old Trafford, Australia lost 18 wickets before lunch. England won the series 2-1.
Twenty-seven wickets in a day
Wet weather in England meant a run of "sticky" pitches for the three-Test tour, much to the misery of the visiting team. Australia went past 100 just once in six innings. On the second day at Lord's, 27 wickets were lost - the most yet in a day - after a storm. In the third Test, at Old Trafford, Australia lost 18 wickets before lunch. England won the series 2-1.
March 1889
South Africa make their Test debut
It was considered just another tour game on the MCC's first tour of South Africa, but the contest in Port Elizabeth was later recognised as South Africa's first Test. The hosts were beaten by eight wickets in that match, and blown away for 47 and 43 in the second. Johnny Briggs picked up 15 wickets in Cape Town, including 8 for 11 in the second innings. Albert Rosse-Innes became the first South African to take a five-for.
South Africa make their Test debut
It was considered just another tour game on the MCC's first tour of South Africa, but the contest in Port Elizabeth was later recognised as South Africa's first Test. The hosts were beaten by eight wickets in that match, and blown away for 47 and 43 in the second. Johnny Briggs picked up 15 wickets in Cape Town, including 8 for 11 in the second innings. Albert Rosse-Innes became the first South African to take a five-for.
June 1889
Five-ball overs
The number of balls in an over in England was increased from four to five, and bowlers were disallowed from bowling consecutive overs (though they could change ends as often as they wished). Declarations were allowed for the first time, but only on the last day of a Test. Australia switched to six-ball overs from four in 1891.
Five-ball overs
The number of balls in an over in England was increased from four to five, and bowlers were disallowed from bowling consecutive overs (though they could change ends as often as they wished). Declarations were allowed for the first time, but only on the last day of a Test. Australia switched to six-ball overs from four in 1891.
July 1893
The first to 1000 runs
Arthur Shrewsbury became the first batsman to reach 1000 runs in Tests, during his century against Australia at Lord's (it was his 21st Test). His captain, Andrew Stoddart, became the first to declare an innings.
The first to 1000 runs
Arthur Shrewsbury became the first batsman to reach 1000 runs in Tests, during his century against Australia at Lord's (it was his 21st Test). His captain, Andrew Stoddart, became the first to declare an innings.
February 1895
The first to 100 wickets
Left-arm spinner Johnny Briggs became the first bowler to take 100 wickets in Tests, during the fourth Test between England and Australia, at the SCG. He picked up four wickets, but his side were bowled out twice on the third day to lose by an innings. In the same game, Charlie Turner became the first Australian to reach the same landmark.
The first to 100 wickets
Left-arm spinner Johnny Briggs became the first bowler to take 100 wickets in Tests, during the fourth Test between England and Australia, at the SCG. He picked up four wickets, but his side were bowled out twice on the third day to lose by an innings. In the same game, Charlie Turner became the first Australian to reach the same landmark.
July 1896
The first career double
George Giffen, the Australia allrounder, became the first player to get 1000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests, at Old Trafford. The game was also known for the debut of Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play Tests, who became the second England batsman to score a century on debut and the first to score more than 100 runs before lunch, moving from 41 to 154.
The first career double
George Giffen, the Australia allrounder, became the first player to get 1000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests, at Old Trafford. The game was also known for the debut of Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play Tests, who became the second England batsman to score a century on debut and the first to score more than 100 runs before lunch, moving from 41 to 154.
January 1898
The first bowler to be called for throwing
Australia's Ernie Jones was among the fastest bowlers of his time, known famously for splitting WG Grace's beard. But in the second Test, at the MCG, he earned the dubious distinction of being the first bowler to be no-balled for throwing in a Test. The umpire who called him was Jim Phillips.
The first bowler to be called for throwing
Australia's Ernie Jones was among the fastest bowlers of his time, known famously for splitting WG Grace's beard. But in the second Test, at the MCG, he earned the dubious distinction of being the first bowler to be no-balled for throwing in a Test. The umpire who called him was Jim Phillips.
1899
Power to the square-leg umpire
Both umpires were allowed to call a delivery a no-ball. Previously only the umpire at the bowler's end could.
Power to the square-leg umpire
Both umpires were allowed to call a delivery a no-ball. Previously only the umpire at the bowler's end could.
1900
Six-ball overs
The MCC made six-ball overs the norm in England and the follow-on rule optional (but raised the minimum required lead for a follow-on to be enforced to 150 runs for a three-day game). Declarations were allowed to be brought forward, to as early as lunch on the second day in a three-day game.
Six-ball overs
The MCC made six-ball overs the norm in England and the follow-on rule optional (but raised the minimum required lead for a follow-on to be enforced to 150 runs for a three-day game). Declarations were allowed to be brought forward, to as early as lunch on the second day in a three-day game.
May-August 1902
Australia win the Ashes
The first two Tests were marred by rain but the next three were delightful contests. Australia, after being bowled out for 194 in the first innings, thumped England by 143 runs in the only Test to be played at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. England had an excellent chance to draw level at Old Trafford, but suffered an agonising three-run defeat while chasing 124. The Ashes were lost, but there was another nerve-wracking game in store, at The Oval, where George Hirst and Wilfred Rhodes, the last-wicket pair, took 15 runs in singles to give England a consolation win.
Australia win the Ashes
The first two Tests were marred by rain but the next three were delightful contests. Australia, after being bowled out for 194 in the first innings, thumped England by 143 runs in the only Test to be played at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. England had an excellent chance to draw level at Old Trafford, but suffered an agonising three-run defeat while chasing 124. The Ashes were lost, but there was another nerve-wracking game in store, at The Oval, where George Hirst and Wilfred Rhodes, the last-wicket pair, took 15 runs in singles to give England a consolation win.
October-November 1902
The first Australia v South Africa series
In the first-ever Test series between the teams, Australia were comfortable victors, taking the rubber 2-0. The highlight for South Africa was two centuries by Jimmy Sinclair, who in 1899 had been their first centurion in Tests.
The first Australia v South Africa series
In the first-ever Test series between the teams, Australia were comfortable victors, taking the rubber 2-0. The highlight for South Africa was two centuries by Jimmy Sinclair, who in 1899 had been their first centurion in Tests.
1902
Length of the bowling crease increased
The length of the bowling crease was increased from six feet eight inches to eight feet eight inches.
Length of the bowling crease increased
The length of the bowling crease was increased from six feet eight inches to eight feet eight inches.
December 1903
The biggest debut score
England's Tip Foster made 287 on debut, still a record, to set up a big win for England in Sydney. In the third Test of the series, in Adelaide, Clem Hill became the first batsman to get to 2000 runs in Tests; seven years later he became the first to 3000 as well. England won the first two Tests, but Australia drew level, before England snatched a win in the fifth to regain the Ashes.
The biggest debut score
England's Tip Foster made 287 on debut, still a record, to set up a big win for England in Sydney. In the third Test of the series, in Adelaide, Clem Hill became the first batsman to get to 2000 runs in Tests; seven years later he became the first to 3000 as well. England won the first two Tests, but Australia drew level, before England snatched a win in the fifth to regain the Ashes.
January 1906
South Africa open their account
South Africa's first Test win, 17 years after their debut, was by one wicket. Set a target of 287 at Newlands, they were struggling at 239 for 9, but Dave Nourse made a match-winning 93 with support from last man Percy Sherwell to sneak them home. South Africa went on to win the series, thrashing England 4-1.
South Africa open their account
South Africa's first Test win, 17 years after their debut, was by one wicket. Set a target of 287 at Newlands, they were struggling at 239 for 9, but Dave Nourse made a match-winning 93 with support from last man Percy Sherwell to sneak them home. South Africa went on to win the series, thrashing England 4-1.
August 1909
A century in each innings
The first such achievement in Tests came in a drawn match at The Oval, where Australian opener Warren Bardsley struck 136 and 130. The fifth Test also marked the debut of medium-pacer turned googly bowler Douglas Carr, who took 7 for 282 in his only Test.
A century in each innings
The first such achievement in Tests came in a drawn match at The Oval, where Australian opener Warren Bardsley struck 136 and 130. The fifth Test also marked the debut of medium-pacer turned googly bowler Douglas Carr, who took 7 for 282 in his only Test.
May 1912
The first neutral Test
Australia played South Africa at Old Trafford in the inaugural game of a triangular series that was to fail miserably. Poor crowds (especially for the neutral games), off-field disputes, incidents of misbehaviour, and poor weather combined to make the nine-match experiment a dud. The first Test, though, did have its moments, with legspinner Jimmy Matthews taking a hat-trick in each innings on the same day.
The first neutral Test
Australia played South Africa at Old Trafford in the inaugural game of a triangular series that was to fail miserably. Poor crowds (especially for the neutral games), off-field disputes, incidents of misbehaviour, and poor weather combined to make the nine-match experiment a dud. The first Test, though, did have its moments, with legspinner Jimmy Matthews taking a hat-trick in each innings on the same day.
February 1914
The last Test before the War
England completed a 4-0 thrashing of South Africa in Port Elizabeth; there was no Test cricket for more than six years after that, as the first World War broke out.
The last Test before the War
England completed a 4-0 thrashing of South Africa in Port Elizabeth; there was no Test cricket for more than six years after that, as the first World War broke out.
December 1920-March 1921
The first big whitewash
Eleven players made their debuts at the SCG in the first Test after the war. Australia, led by Warwick Armstrong, were unstoppable, inflicting on England the first-ever whitewash in a five-match series. England went down by 377 runs in the first Test. Legspinner Arthur Mailey, among the debutants in the series, made merry through the tour, picking up 36 wickets, including 9 for 121 in the fourth Test, in Adelaide.
The first big whitewash
Eleven players made their debuts at the SCG in the first Test after the war. Australia, led by Warwick Armstrong, were unstoppable, inflicting on England the first-ever whitewash in a five-match series. England went down by 377 runs in the first Test. Legspinner Arthur Mailey, among the debutants in the series, made merry through the tour, picking up 36 wickets, including 9 for 121 in the fourth Test, in Adelaide.
1922
Eight-ball overs
Eight-ball overs were introduced in Tests for the first time in Australia, and the minimum lead for the follow-on - made optional by then - was extended to 200 (only in Australia).
Eight-ball overs
Eight-ball overs were introduced in Tests for the first time in Australia, and the minimum lead for the follow-on - made optional by then - was extended to 200 (only in Australia).
1924-25
The first series on radio
The first instance of radio commentary in cricket was in 1922, when Lionel Watt reported a game in Australia. But England's tour of Australia in 1924-25 was the first time a Test series was covered on the radio, though locally. Australia comfortably won 4-1, and the series is also remembered for Clarrie Grimmett's outstanding debut in the fifth Test at the SCG, where he took 11 for 82. Maurice Tate picked up 38 wickets in the series but finished on the losing side.
The first series on radio
The first instance of radio commentary in cricket was in 1922, when Lionel Watt reported a game in Australia. But England's tour of Australia in 1924-25 was the first time a Test series was covered on the radio, though locally. Australia comfortably won 4-1, and the series is also remembered for Clarrie Grimmett's outstanding debut in the fifth Test at the SCG, where he took 11 for 82. Maurice Tate picked up 38 wickets in the series but finished on the losing side.
1927
The one-bail rule
An important victory for bowlers, who were now required to dislodge just one bail to bowl a batsman. Alterations were made to the size of the ball, which now had to be not less than "eight and thirteen-sixteenth" inches nor "more than nine inches" in circumference.
The one-bail rule
An important victory for bowlers, who were now required to dislodge just one bail to bowl a batsman. Alterations were made to the size of the ball, which now had to be not less than "eight and thirteen-sixteenth" inches nor "more than nine inches" in circumference.
June 1928
West Indies play their first Test
A disappointing start for West Indies on their international debut and through the three-match series, especially after an impressive first-class tour of England in 1923. Led by Karl Nunes, they were swept 0-3, each of the losses innings defeats, starting with a drubbing at Lord's. Joe Small turned out to be West Indies' first half-centurion and Herman Griffith grabbed their first five-for. Douglas Jardine made his debut in the Lord's Test.
West Indies play their first Test
A disappointing start for West Indies on their international debut and through the three-match series, especially after an impressive first-class tour of England in 1923. Led by Karl Nunes, they were swept 0-3, each of the losses innings defeats, starting with a drubbing at Lord's. Joe Small turned out to be West Indies' first half-centurion and Herman Griffith grabbed their first five-for. Douglas Jardine made his debut in the Lord's Test.
November-December 1928
Bradman begins
The greatest batsman of all time made his first appearance in international cricket, but in one of the most humiliating defeats for his side. On Don Bradman's debut, in Brisbane, Australia went down by 675 runs, demolished by Harold Larwood in the first innings and being skittled out for 62 in the second - the margin still remains a record. Bradman, after making 18 and 1, was dropped for the second Test - the only time in his career. It was Wally Hammond's series, as he amassed 905 runs at 113.12, with four centuries, in England's 4-1 triumph.
Bradman begins
The greatest batsman of all time made his first appearance in international cricket, but in one of the most humiliating defeats for his side. On Don Bradman's debut, in Brisbane, Australia went down by 675 runs, demolished by Harold Larwood in the first innings and being skittled out for 62 in the second - the margin still remains a record. Bradman, after making 18 and 1, was dropped for the second Test - the only time in his career. It was Wally Hammond's series, as he amassed 905 runs at 113.12, with four centuries, in England's 4-1 triumph.
January-February 1930
New Zealand make their Test debut
New Zealand, punched above their weight in their opening series, managing three draws. But they were beaten soundly in their first Test, losing to an MCC side by eight wickets in Christchurch. Stewie Dempster, the opener, became their first centurion, in the second Test in Wellington, where he shared an opening stand of 276 with Jackie Mills, who also scored a century.
New Zealand make their Test debut
New Zealand, punched above their weight in their opening series, managing three draws. But they were beaten soundly in their first Test, losing to an MCC side by eight wickets in Christchurch. Stewie Dempster, the opener, became their first centurion, in the second Test in Wellington, where he shared an opening stand of 276 with Jackie Mills, who also scored a century.
January-April 1930
The first triple and West Indies' first win
England's first official tour of the West Indies produced the first Test triple-hundred, by Andy Sandham, in the fourth Test, in Jamaica. Sandham piled on 325 in the timeless match, which extended to 10 days. Opener Clifford Roach became West Indies' first Test centurion, in the first Test, before getting a double in the third, in Georgetown, to take his side to their first-ever Test win. It was an even bigger series for George Headley, who scored four centuries, including a double.
The first triple and West Indies' first win
England's first official tour of the West Indies produced the first Test triple-hundred, by Andy Sandham, in the fourth Test, in Jamaica. Sandham piled on 325 in the timeless match, which extended to 10 days. Opener Clifford Roach became West Indies' first Test centurion, in the first Test, before getting a double in the third, in Georgetown, to take his side to their first-ever Test win. It was an even bigger series for George Headley, who scored four centuries, including a double.
June-August 1930
Bradman storms England
England had no answers against the Don on his first tour of England. He smashed 131 in the first Test, followed by scores of 254, 334 - the highest at the time - and 252. In all, he scored 974 in five Tests at 139.14 - still a record - at a good pace, and almost single-handedly won his team the rubber 2-1 after they lost the first Test. The series that made one legend saw another bow out: Jack Hobbs played his last Test, at The Oval, after becoming the first player to reach 5000 runs in Tests. For the first time in England, Tests were extended to four days.
Bradman storms England
England had no answers against the Don on his first tour of England. He smashed 131 in the first Test, followed by scores of 254, 334 - the highest at the time - and 252. In all, he scored 974 in five Tests at 139.14 - still a record - at a good pace, and almost single-handedly won his team the rubber 2-1 after they lost the first Test. The series that made one legend saw another bow out: Jack Hobbs played his last Test, at The Oval, after becoming the first player to reach 5000 runs in Tests. For the first time in England, Tests were extended to four days.
June 1932
India join the Test club
India made their Test debut, at Lord's. The anti-British sentiment in India had prevented two tours earlier in the decade, but in 1932, a team led by CK Nayudu toured England and played a one-off Test. They put up a fight, but Douglas Jardine rescued England twice to ensure a 158-run win. Mohammad Nissar bagged India's first five-for and Amar Singh scored their first half-century.
India join the Test club
India made their Test debut, at Lord's. The anti-British sentiment in India had prevented two tours earlier in the decade, but in 1932, a team led by CK Nayudu toured England and played a one-off Test. They put up a fight, but Douglas Jardine rescued England twice to ensure a 158-run win. Mohammad Nissar bagged India's first five-for and Amar Singh scored their first half-century.
December 1932-February 1933
Bodyline
The most acrimonious and controversial Test series of all time. Douglas Jardine's tactic of using Harold Larwood and Bill Voce to bowl short deliveries to the Australians on and outside leg stump, with a packed field on the on side provoked outrage and led to a diplomatic row. The tipping point was the Adelaide Test, when Bert Oldfield was struck on the head by Larwood, who was jeered by the partisan crowd. England won the series comfortably. Bradman had missed the first Test due to a dispute with the board, and Stan McCabe stepped up to score a brilliant counterattacking 187, but in a losing cause. The series was also marred by the tragic news of the death of Archie Jackson at the age of 23.
Bodyline
The most acrimonious and controversial Test series of all time. Douglas Jardine's tactic of using Harold Larwood and Bill Voce to bowl short deliveries to the Australians on and outside leg stump, with a packed field on the on side provoked outrage and led to a diplomatic row. The tipping point was the Adelaide Test, when Bert Oldfield was struck on the head by Larwood, who was jeered by the partisan crowd. England won the series comfortably. Bradman had missed the first Test due to a dispute with the board, and Stan McCabe stepped up to score a brilliant counterattacking 187, but in a losing cause. The series was also marred by the tragic news of the death of Archie Jackson at the age of 23.
December 1933
The first Test in India
The Bombay Gymkhana hosted the first Test in India in front of a packed audience. Lala Amarnath, on debut, became the first Indian to make a century, but England, ably led by Douglas Jardine, won the match and eased to a 2-0 win in the three-Test series.
The first Test in India
The Bombay Gymkhana hosted the first Test in India in front of a packed audience. Lala Amarnath, on debut, became the first Indian to make a century, but England, ably led by Douglas Jardine, won the match and eased to a 2-0 win in the three-Test series.
December 1934
The first women's Test
The first-ever women's match can be traced to 1745, but it was not till 1926 that women formed a professional cricket association in England. When invited to tour by their counterparts in Australia in 1934, the first of three three-day games came to be recognised as the first women's Test. Offspinning allrounder Myrtle MacLagan took 7 for 10 and made a half-century in England's big win. The visitors won the series 2-0.
The first women's Test
The first-ever women's match can be traced to 1745, but it was not till 1926 that women formed a professional cricket association in England. When invited to tour by their counterparts in Australia in 1934, the first of three three-day games came to be recognised as the first women's Test. Offspinning allrounder Myrtle MacLagan took 7 for 10 and made a half-century in England's big win. The visitors won the series 2-0.
December 1936-March 1937
Australia bounce back to take the Ashes
The only instance of a team winning a series after being down 0-2, and Don Bradman was the deciding factor again. His career as captain began poorly, with a 322-run whipping in Brisbane, and an innings defeat in Sydney. But successive double-centuries from Bradman in Melbourne and Adelaide helped level the series, and he followed up with 169 in the decider to help hammer the visitors by an innings and take the series.
Australia bounce back to take the Ashes
The only instance of a team winning a series after being down 0-2, and Don Bradman was the deciding factor again. His career as captain began poorly, with a 322-run whipping in Brisbane, and an innings defeat in Sydney. But successive double-centuries from Bradman in Melbourne and Adelaide helped level the series, and he followed up with 169 in the decider to help hammer the visitors by an innings and take the series.
1937
The lbw law is changed
An important modification to the lbw law: balls pitched outside off stump were henceforth to be considered for an lbw decision, provided they would go on to hit the stumps. Previously the ball had to pitch in line with the stumps to qualify for an lbw appeal.
The lbw law is changed
An important modification to the lbw law: balls pitched outside off stump were henceforth to be considered for an lbw decision, provided they would go on to hit the stumps. Previously the ball had to pitch in line with the stumps to qualify for an lbw appeal.
June 1938
The first televised Test
The Lord's Test of 1938 was the first to be broadcast on television, by the BBC. The cameras were also in place for the fifth Test, at The Oval, a timeless match where Len Hutton smashed a record-breaking 364. England made 903 and steamrolled Australia by an innings and 579 runs - a margin still unsurpassed. It was the last Test played in England for more than a decade.
The first televised Test
The Lord's Test of 1938 was the first to be broadcast on television, by the BBC. The cameras were also in place for the fifth Test, at The Oval, a timeless match where Len Hutton smashed a record-breaking 364. England made 903 and steamrolled Australia by an innings and 579 runs - a margin still unsurpassed. It was the last Test played in England for more than a decade.
March 1939
The last timeless Test
The concept of timeless matches was losing popularity quickly and matters reached a pass in Durban when England and South Africa fought for 10 days to get a result that never came. Flat pitches and the lack of incentive to score quickly meant the game laboured on. England were set 696 for a win, and they managed 654 for 5, but rain had the final say. "The time limitless match we now believe to be dead," wrote Wisden editor Norman Preston, and it stayed that way.
The last timeless Test
The concept of timeless matches was losing popularity quickly and matters reached a pass in Durban when England and South Africa fought for 10 days to get a result that never came. Flat pitches and the lack of incentive to score quickly meant the game laboured on. England were set 696 for a win, and they managed 654 for 5, but rain had the final say. "The time limitless match we now believe to be dead," wrote Wisden editor Norman Preston, and it stayed that way.
March 1946
Cricket resumes after the war
The first Test after the Second World War was the first in six and a half years, and the first Trans-Tasman international. There were 14 debutants in the game in Wellington, and Australia were too strong for the hosts, who were bowled out for 42 and 54 to lose in two days. The teams didn't meet for another 28 years.
Cricket resumes after the war
The first Test after the Second World War was the first in six and a half years, and the first Trans-Tasman international. There were 14 debutants in the game in Wellington, and Australia were too strong for the hosts, who were bowled out for 42 and 54 to lose in two days. The teams didn't meet for another 28 years.
Siddhartha Talya is a sub editor at ESPNcricinfo