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On February 17, 1882, the Sydney Cricket Ground hosted its first Test match. Australia beat England by five wickets, with Joey Palmer taking seven wickets in England’s first innings.
Australia’s iconic stadium — Sydney Cricket Ground. (Image: scg/X, formerly Twitter)
On This Day In 1882: One of the most iconic stadiums—the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)—hosted its first-ever Test match on this day (February 17) in 1882. The first-ever Test match played at this venue was between Australia and England.
The English side travelled to Australia to feature in a four-match Test series. The opener was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the fixture ended in a draw.
The second Test marked a historic achievement for the SCG and the thrilling on-field action was enough to entertain the fans. Australia got the better of the visitors by five wickets in that memorable game.
England captain Alfred Shaw won the toss and decided to bat first. But the move did not pay off with England being bowled out for 133. England’s opening batter Dick Barlow emerged as the highest scorer (31) of his side in the first innings.
Joey Palmer was Australia’s highest wicket-taker in the first innings having earned seven scalps. The remaining three wickets were picked up by Edwin Evans.
Australia’s first innings got off to a fine start with their two opening batters—Hugh Massie and Jack Blackham — appearing to be in fine touch. While Blackham was dismissed for 40, Massie missed out on his half century by one run.
Later, Sammy Jones chipped in with vital contributions of 37 runs. Billy Bates bagged four wickets as Australia’s first innings came to an end at 197. The hosts claimed a 64-run lead at the end of the first innings.
England responded on a promising note in the second innings with their opening batters—Dick Barlow and George Ulyett — scoring a half century each. The English opening pair put on a 122-run partnership before Joey Palmer earned a vital breakthrough having dismissed Ulyett for 67.
England skipper Alfred Shaw came up with a vital knock of 30 runs as the visitors managed to reach 232 in the second innings. Tom Garrett and Joey Palmer picked up four wickets each for Australia in the second innings.
With a target of 169 to chase down, Australia kicked off their run chase. The hosts had to deal with an early blow in the second innings after their opening batter Jack Blackham returned to the dressing room scoring four runs.
Australia weathered the storm and scored the winning runs, eventually, losing five wickets. Australia captain Billy Murdoch scored 49 runs to guide his side to a memorable five-wicket victory.
