Only Match - M.C.G. - The Centenary Test, 12th - 17th March 1977

England on their way home from a tour of India and Sri Lanka, stopped off at Melbourne to celebrate the first Test played at Melbourne 100 years ago.

Tony Greig and Greg Chappell were the captains, Greig winning the toss and putting Australia in to bat. The home side struggled to cope with the England attack and fell for 138 runs. England fared no better as Lillee took 6 wickets for 26 and Max Walker 4 for 54 and the tourists all out for only 95. Rodney Marsh became the first Australian wicket-keeper to score a century against England (110) and Australia scored 419 for 9 declared. Chris Old was the most successful bowler for England with 4 wickets for 104. In reply and chasing 463 runs to win, England played a lot better. Derek Randall scored a superb century (174) but it wasn't enough, once again Dennis Lillee tore through the English heart taking 5 wickets for 139. In the end England fell 45 runs short, ironically the same margin of defeat 100 years ago!