This game has a long history, a set of deeply embedded standards, and substantial evolution—it has more than 2.5 billion followers worldwide. 
The 1876-77 squad which played the first Test against Australia
The three main forms of cricket played at the international level are Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The T20 format has always been my preference because it is short and ends soon, unlike the topic of this blog, The Birth of Test Cricket.
In addition, on September 24 and 25, 1844, Canada and the United States played their first-ever international match; nevertheless, it has never been categorized as a Test match.
In 1868, 13 cricketers from Victoria's western districts sailed from Sydney to tour England, becoming the first Australian team to do so. These Australian Aborigines, some of whom worked as stockmen, had learned cricket by playing with Europeans on the cattle stations in western Victoria. This pioneering tour marked a significant milestone in the history of Australian cricket.
On the other hand, the English cricket team, often referred to as "the poms," had conducted several tours to the USA, New Zealand, and Australia. However, none of these matches were officially recognized as Test matches. The first match to be granted Test status was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 15, 1877. This historic match is acknowledged as the inaugural Test match, establishing the foundation for the international Test cricket format we know today.
Did you know that the term "test cricket" refers to the notion that the game is a test of the two teams' respective strengths
Spear throwing and boomerang throwing were part of the exhibition activities during the tour. After each match, the Australian team was required to give a demonstration of 'native sports,' showcasing traditional skills such as spear throwing and boomerang. These exhibitions provided audiences with a glimpse into the cultural heritage and athletic prowess of the Australian Aborigines, adding a unique and educational element to the cricket tour.
One notable talent produced by the team under Charles Lawrence's leadership was a young man named Muarrinim, who was known as Johnny Mullagh while on tour. Mullagh showcased his exceptional cricketing skills by amassing 245 English wickets in 45 matches and scoring 1,698 runs. His impressive performance on the tour earned him a place at the Melbourne Cricket Club, where he continued to play and contribute to the development of cricket in Australia.
Later in 1882, the Australians unexpectedly defeated the English in England. Following this surprising victory, The Sporting Times published a mock obituary of the English game, stating, "The body [of the English game] shall be cremated and the ashes taken back to Australia." This satirical piece led to the creation of an urn to hold the ashes of burnt bails, symbolizing the rivalry and giving birth to the iconic Ashes series.
Two Rival Tours Planned in 1876
In 1876, the world of cricket was abuzz with the planning of two significant tours to Australia, reflecting the growing interest in international cricket. The first tour was an amateur endeavor led by Fred Grace, the younger brother of the legendary W.G. Grace. This tour aimed to showcase the talents of amateur cricketers from England, who were often regarded with high esteem in the cricketing community. However, due to various logistical and financial challenges, Fred Grace's amateur tour was ultimately canceled.
On the other hand, a professional tour led by James Lillywhite moved forward with its plans. James Lillywhite, a well-respected cricketer and organizer, managed to gather a team of professional players. This tour highlighted the burgeoning professionalism in cricket, as opposed to the traditional amateur status held by many of the game's elite. The rivalry between amateur and professional players was a significant aspect of cricket during this era, often leading to a division within the sport.
Lack of Notable Amateurs
James Lillywhite's tour, despite its professional organization, did not include any of the prominent amateur cricketers of the day. This absence was particularly noticeable with the exclusion of W.G. Grace, the most famous cricketer of the era. W.G. Grace's involvement could have added significant prestige and public interest to the tour.
The distinction between amateurs and professionals in cricket was stark during the 19th century. Amateurs, often from wealthy or noble backgrounds, were considered gentlemen who played for the love of the game. In contrast, professionals were seen as working-class men who played for a living. This class distinction influenced team compositions and public perceptions of the tours.
Departure and Journey
The professional tour led by James Lillywhite embarked on its journey in November 1876. The team departed from Southampton aboard a steamship, marking the beginning of a lengthy and challenging voyage to Australia. The journey took 48 days, a testament to the slow and arduous nature of sea travel in the 19th century. This extensive travel time required significant preparation and resilience from the players, who had to maintain their fitness and morale during the long weeks at sea.
The departure from Southampton was a significant event, marking the ambition and scope of international cricket tours of the time. It also underscored the logistical challenges faced by organizers, who had to coordinate travel, accommodation, and match schedules across continents.
Stop in New Zealand
En route to Australia, the tour made a stop in New Zealand, a common practice for long voyages to allow for rest and resupply. This stopover provided the team with a much-needed break from the monotony of sea travel and an opportunity to acclimate to conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
While in New Zealand, the players could engage with local cricket enthusiasts and perhaps even play informal matches, fostering goodwill and interest in the sport. This stop also highlighted the interconnectedness of cricketing nations, with New Zealand emerging as an important cricketing destination in its own right.
Reduction in Squad Size
During their stop in New Zealand, the tour faced an unexpected setback. Ted Pooley, the team's wicketkeeper, found himself in legal trouble and was jailed in Christchurch on charges related to an assault and a betting scandal. This incident reduced the squad from 12 players to 11, posing a significant challenge to the team’s dynamics and performance.
Pooley's arrest underscored the potential for unforeseen difficulties on international tours. It also highlighted issues related to player behavior and the impact of personal conduct on the team's reputation and functionality. The team had to adapt quickly to this loss, demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.