Centenary Test

Centenary Test refers to two matches of Test cricket between the English cricket team and the Australian cricket team, the first in 1977 and the second in 1980. The matches were played to mark the 100th anniversaries of the first Test cricket matches played in Australia, in 1877, and in England, in 1880. None of the matches are considered to form part of the biennial competition between England and Australia for the Ashes: the early matches preceeded the first Ashes Test at the Oval in 1882, and the 1977 and 1980 matches were one-off commemorative matches, not part of an Ashes series.

Related Topics:
Test cricket - English cricket team - Australian cricket team - Australia - England - The Ashes

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The first Centenary Test, generally considered the Centenary Test, was played in 1977 to commemorate the match that is considered to be the very first Test match, played in 1877. Both matches were played in March, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Remarkably, Australia won both matches by exactly the same margin, 45 runs.

Related Topics:
Melbourne Cricket Ground - Melbourne - Australia

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A second Centenary Test was played in 1980 at Lord's in London, to commemorate the first Test match in England, at The Oval in 1880. The 1880 match was the fourth to be considered a Test match, and followed three earlier matches played between England and Australia in Australia (including the 1877 Test). The 1980 match was affected by rain on the first two days, and was drawn. This was the last Test match commentated by John Arlott.

Related Topics:
Lord's - London - The Oval - John Arlott

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