Test matches in the period 1877 to 1883 were organised somewhat differently from international cricket matches today. All were between Australian and English sides, the teams were rarely representativ
The legendary W. G. Grace, who played Test cricket until he was aged 50.
The Australian team of 1878
Australian cricket eleven, 1880
The 1882 Australian cricket team
The history of Test cricket between 1884 and 1889 was one of English dominance over the Australians. England won every Test series that was played. The period also saw the first use of the word "Test"
History of Test cricket from 1877 to 1883
…England in Australia 1882/3. Match length: Timeless. Balls per over: 4. One-off Test. Result: Australia won. Continued on: History of Test cricket (1884 to 1889) This historic England defeat was fictionally purported to Sherlock Holmes in The Redacted Sherlock Holmes Vol. VIII (2024) by Orlando Pearson…
England captain and tour-promoter, Arthur Shrewsbury.