#OnThisDay it all began! 143 years ago, first Test match in cricket between Australia and England was played

On March 15, 1877, the world saw the first-ever Test match being played between Australia and England in Melbourne. 

The English team was captained by James Lillywhite and had been touring Australia before the iconic 1877 series. 

The squad left England in November 1876 and it was their first time to visit the Australian shores as a business venture rather than on an invitation. 

As for the match, the English team went down to their rivals by 45 runs in the inaugural Test. Around 1500 spectators were inside the MCG when the first ball in Test cricket was bowled by Alfred Shaw to Charles Bannerman.

At that time, the MCG had one newly built grandstand that could seat 2000, with the remainder of the ground surrounded by grass. By the close of the match, 4500 people had turned up. ESPN Cricinfo reported.

Being the 1st Test, many records were made, among which one was that of Australian opener Charles Bannerman.

The Aussie player became the 1st Test centurion as he scored 165 runs in Australia's first innings. 

Allen Hill took the game's first-ever Test wicket while his teammate James Southerton made his debut at 49 years and 119 days - which still remains Test cricket's oldest surviving record.

England bowler Alfred Shaw picked up the Test cricket's 1st 5-wicket haul, however, it was Australia's Tom Kendall (7 for 55) who emerged the hero. England fell short in their 154-run chase.