140 years ago, Australia beat an All-England XI in England for the first time. It was a remarkable day’s cricket best remembered for an incendiary 36.3 overs bowled by Fred “The Demon” Spofforth.
By Staff correspondent
First published in The Sydney Morning Herald on August 31, 1882
The Australian Eleven in England
(By cable)
(From our own correspondent)
Eleven of all England was resumed on Kennington Oval today. There was again an immense attendance, the greatest interest being evinced in the play of both teams. The weather, however, was not propitious, and proved more or less showery. The wicket was consequently heavy and in favour of the bowlers.
The Australian cricket team that visited England in 1882. Fred Spofforth is in the back row, far right.
The Australians again went into bat, Bannerman and Massie being the representatives. The former made 13, when he was caught. Massie and Murdoch got together, and made a good stand, the former especially showing great freedom in hitting the bowling about, despite numerous changes. He was finally bowled for 55.
Murdoch obtained 29 in good style before he was run out. The remaining wickets fell in quick succession, Blackham making the highest score of 7. The innings closed for 122, leaving the Home team 83 to win. The fielding was again very good, several fine catches been made.
The scores as printed in the Herald.Credit:SMH via Trove
The All-England Eleven then went in, Hornby and Harlow being the first men. Hornby was the only one who made anything like a stand, Ulyett with 11, and Lyttelton, 12, being the only other men who reached double figures. The last wicket fell for 77, leaving the Australians the victors by seven runs.
The greatest excitement prevailed towards the close of the game, the result being uncertain until the fall of the last wicket. The bowling and fielding of the Australians was first-class, especially the bowling of Spofforth.
LONDON, August 30.— The victory of the Australian cricketers over the All-England Eleven is generally attributed to the excellent bowling of the Australians. The “Standard” this morning states that the victory was thoroughly deserved, and is somewhat mortifying after the recent rowing defeat at the hands of the same colonists.
The “Sportsman” hopes that the defeat will teach Englishmen to control their nerves, and cultivate more determination. Fully 20,000 people were present at the match. The betting was 60 to 1 on the Englishmen an hour before the finish.
Days later The Sporting Times ran its obituary: “In affectionate remembrance of English cricket, which died at The Oval on 29th August, 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances. R.I.P. -N.B. – The body will be cremated, and the ashes taken to Australia.
