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When was the first Test match played?

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The first Test match was played between Australia and England in Melbourne in 1877, with Australia winning. When Australia again won at the Oval at Kennington, London, in 1882, the Sporting Times printed an obituary notice announcing that English cricket would be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia, thus creating the β€œplay for the Ashes.”