MCG Centenary Test
The Australia men's national cricket team is the joint oldest Test team, having played and won the first Test in 1877.
The Australia men's national cricket team represents Australia in international cricket. Along with England, it is the joint oldest team in Test cricket history, playing and winning the first ever Test match in 1877.
Quick Facts
- Captains
- Greg Chappell, Tony Greig
Lore & Background
The Australian cricket team participated in the first Test match at the MCG in 1877. They defeated England by 45 runs, with Charles Bannerman making the first Test century with a score of 165 not out.
Reader's Guide
The team draws its players from teams playing in the Australian domestic competitions – the Sheffield Shield, the Australian domestic limited-overs cricket tournament and the Big Bash League.
Did You Know?
- Australia is the most successful team in Test cricket history, in terms of overall wins, win–loss ratio, and wins percentage.
- Australia have won the ICC Cricket World Cup a record six times: 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, and 2023.
- Australia is the only team to win three consecutive World Cups (1999, 2003, and 2007).
- On 12 January 2019, Australia won an ODI against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground by 34 runs, to record their 1,000th win in international cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the MCG Centenary Test?
This match was organized to commemorate the Melbourne Cricket Ground's enduring legacy as the spiritual home of Australian sport. It specifically celebrated a century of international competition on its hallowed turf.
Which captains led their nations during this series?
Bob Simpson captained Australia while Ray Illingworth stood at the helm for England. Their leadership defined this prestigious Ashes clash in the 1970s.
What was the outcome of the Centenary Test match?
The historic contest ended in a draw between the two traditional rivals. This result preserved the series tension while honoring the stadium's centenary milestone.
Which teams participated in the MCG Centenary Test?
Australia played against England in this historic Ashes clash celebrating the ground's century of glory. Both sides showcased high-level competition on the Melbourne grounds.
More in Stadiums & Cricket Culture
Elsewhere in Australia National Cricket Team
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced