Wikipedia:Today's featured article/January 22, 2006



The History of Test cricket in the period from 1884 to 1889 was one of English dominance over the Australians. England won every Test series that was played. The period also saw the introduction of the word "Test", a word coined by the Press in 1885, which has remained in common usage ever since. In 1883 England had won the first Ashes series by beating Australia 2-1 away, though they had lost a fourth extra Test played at the end of their Australian tour. However, this last Test proved to be a blip as English dominance remained for the rest of the 1880s. Of the 19 England-Australia Tests played in the period from 1884 to 1889, England won 14, Australia 3, with 2 draws. 1889 saw the first English tour to South Africa. England won both representative matches easily. But, although it was only recognised as a Test nation later, after 13 years, cricket had a third Test-playing team. (more...)

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