The 1934 Lord's Test

Lore & Background

The first recorded incidence of a team with a claim to represent England comes from 9 July 1739 when an 'All-England' team, which consisted of 11 gentlemen from any part of England exclusive of Kent, played against 'the Unconquerable County' of Kent and lost by a margin of 'very few notches'. Such matches were repeated on numerous occasions for the best part of a century. In 1846 William Clarke formed the All-England Eleven. This team eventually competed against a United All-England Eleven with annual matches occurring between 1847 and 1856. These matches were arguably the most important contest of the English season if judged by the quality of the players.

In Their Own Story

The sun hung low over Lord's as Don Bradman walked to the crease, the weight of expectation heavy upon his shoulders. The English bowlers charged in, but Bradman stood firm, his bat a blur of precision against the seam and swing. Each boundary was met with hushed awe from the crowd, who sensed history unfolding before their eyes.

Reader's Guide

England and Australia were the first teams to play a Test match (15–19 March 1877), and along with South Africa, these nations formed the Imperial Cricket Conference (the predecessor to today's International Cricket Council) on 15 June 1909. England and Australia also played the first ODI on 5 January 1971. England's first T20I was played on 13 June 2005, once more against Australia. As of 30 August 2026, England have played 1,099 Test matches, winning 407 and losing 336 (with 356 draws). In the Test series against Australia, England play for The Ashes, one of the most famous trophies in all of sport, and they have won the urn on 32 occasions. England have also played 826 ODIs, winning 411. They have appeared in the final of the Cricket World Cup four times (1979, 1987, 1992), winning their first in 2019; they have also finished as runners-up in two ICC Champions Trophies (2004 and 2013). England have played 230 T20Is, winning 125. They won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010 and 2022, and were runners-up in 2016. As of August 2026, England are ranked fifth in Tests, seventh in ODIs and second in T20Is by the ICC.

Did You Know?

• The fourth Test of the 1934 Ashes series was played at Headingley, Leeds, not Lord's.
• Don Bradman's highest-ever Test score (334) was achieved at Headingley in the fourth Test.
• The result of the fourth Test at Headingley was Australia winning by an innings and 80 runs.
• Australia retained the Ashes after winning the series 2-1.