1882: The Fuse Is Lit
1882: The Fuse Is Lit Believe it or not but there was once a time when England were unbeatable in test cricket on their own patch. Yes, admittedly they had only played one singular test match at home and indeed there were only two test playing nations but being English, we of course have to take what we can get. In September 1880, England saw off Australia by five wickets at The Oval. After winning the toss, captain Lord Harris sent his England team out to bat and the amassed crowd were treated to a fine exhibition. WG Grace knocked in England’s first ever test match century with a fine 152 off 294 deliveries before being bowled by Joey Palmer, Alfred ‘Bunny’ Lucas crafted 55 while captain Harris came up with 52 before he was caught by George Bonnor off the bowling of George Alexander before the home side were eventually dismissed for 420. The mammoth total sent the tourists into disarray and they were only able to muster a first innings total of 149 with Harry Boyle top sco...