1977 Test Cricket Centenary

Test cricket matches between England and Australia have their origins in a match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between the 15-19th March 1877. Three teams of Englishmen had previously visited Australia and at the time it was common practice to allow the weaker Australian Team to field up to 22 players against the stronger English's team of 11. This time round however they the teams were of equal numbers. To the surprise of all, the local team defeated the Englishmen by 45 runs, largely as a result of Charles Bannerman's innings of 165 runs and two fine bowling performances by Midwinter (5 for 78) and Kendall (7 for 55). The confident colonials challenged their opponents to return a match. It was held fortnight later and ended in England winning by four wickets.

Exactly one hundred years later the 226th Test Match between England and Australia was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These stamps commemorate the occasion.

Technical Details

Stamp design: Bruce Weatherhead

Denomination: 18c, 45c

Stamp size: 25 mm x 37.5 mm

Printer: RBA

Printing process: Photogravure (Chambon)

Issue date: 9 March 1977