The first official Test match was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between Australia and England. This match represented a critical turning point in cricket, introducing a formalized and competitive structure to the sport. Played from March 15 to March 19, 1877, it involved two innings for each team and was played under the newly defined rules of cricket. The match attracted considerable attention, reflecting the growing popularity of cricket, especially in the British Empire where it was considered a gentleman's game. Australia’s win, by 45 runs, not only bolstered the nation's cricketing prowess but also solidified their rivalry with England, a theme that would continue to define Test cricket in the years to come.

During the match, notable players like Charles Bannerman, who scored the first Test century, and the English bowler Alfred Shaw participated, contributing significantly to their teams. The match helped in standardizing the rules and fostering greater competition among cricketing nations. As crowds gathered to witness the event, it laid the groundwork for cricket’s evolution into a celebrated sport globally, leading to the establishment of the Ashes series and other international competitions that continue to be held today.