With the 2000th Test fast approaching, we look back on some classic Tests of the past for each of the major countries, starting with England
v Australia, The Oval, 1882
The match that spawned the Ashes. The full might of England – WG Grace and all – needed only 85 to beat Australia. Amid great tension, in which one man reportedly suffered a heart attack and another chewed right through his umbrella handle, the home side succumbed for 77, with Fred “The Demon” Spofforth taking 7 for 44. A sporting newspaper printed a mock obituary bemoaning the death of English cricket… and an enduring legend was born.
The match that spawned the Ashes. The full might of England – WG Grace and all – needed only 85 to beat Australia. Amid great tension, in which one man reportedly suffered a heart attack and another chewed right through his umbrella handle, the home side succumbed for 77, with Fred “The Demon” Spofforth taking 7 for 44. A sporting newspaper printed a mock obituary bemoaning the death of English cricket… and an enduring legend was born.
