The very first cricket test match between England and Australia was held in Melbourne in 1877. Australia won the contest by 45 runs. In the centenary match of 1977 between the same nations, what was the result?
A) Australia won, again by 45 runs ü B) England got their revenge, by the same 45-run margin C) The game could not be completed owing to bad weather D) The score was tied
The cricket rivalry between England and Australia is one of the most keenly contested in international sport. Five years after their first match in Australia, a team from down under toured England and — most injuriously to English pride — were victorious in the single test match played, thanks largely to the prowess of an Australian fast bowler, Fred “The Demon” Spofforth. The Sporting Times newspaper ran a mock 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.” The notice concluded with, “N.B. The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” From this inspiration, a miniature urn was constructed, containing the burned remains of a portion of the wooden wicket used in the game. This tiny memorial became the trophy for which English and Australian test teams have vied ever since in biennial five-game tournaments known as The Ashes.
