England in Australia, 1878-79

Lord Harris took a side that was originally billed as the "Gentlemen of England (with Ulyett and Emmett)" to Australia in 1878-79. The side, which was made up of amateurs apart from the named Yorkshire pair, played a match against "The Australian XI" which was later recognised as the third official Test match.

Australia won the match, played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, by ten wickets. Fast bowler Fred Spofforth, who was known as "The Demon", was irresistible as he took 6 for 48 (including the first Test hat-trick) in the first innings and 7 for 62 in the second. Alick Bannerman, brother of Charles (who had scored the first Test century two years previously) top-scored in Australia's 256, which was almost enough for an innings victory.

In all Lord Harris's side played 15 matches, including one in New Zealand (a draw) and one in New York (England beat USA by an innings). Of the 13 matches in Australia Harris's team lost to Victoria and New South Wales as well as to Australia. They did beat both states in return matches, and won or drew all their other games, most of which were against odds (against teams of more than 11 players). The professionals paid their way: Ulyett scored most runs in the first-class matches, with 306, while Emmett topped the bowling averages with 44 wickets at 11.61.

Match reports for

Only Test: Australia v England at Melbourne, Jan 2-4, 1879
Report | Scorecard