1st Test - Sydney Cricket Ground

The Match Report - click on the required day for session report.

Day 2 - report
Day 3 - report
Day 4 - report
Day 5 - final day - report

Day 1 Report

At lunch Australia found themselves at 63 for 1, Woodfull falling to a catch by Ames off Voce, to yet another uncharacteristic loose shot by the Australian captain. In an inspired spell of bowling after lunch,larwood took 3 wickets costing only 7 runs - Ponsford, Fingleton and Kippax.

Jardine gave Larwood a well earned rest and called upon Allen to tie up one end. Jardine knew that if Allen bowled loosely it would allow the Australian's back into the game. Allen more often than not bowled superbly for England, unfortunately this was not to be one of those days and McCabe and Richardson took full advantage. In the second session of the day, McCabe never looked in any trouble although the Australian faced a confident appeal for leg Before Wicket shortly before tea from Larwood.

Just as the pair looked destined to survive until close of play, Richardson looking for his fifty played a loose shot and handed his wicket to Voce. Oldfield came in but fell soon after to a catch behind, once again from Larwood - his fourth of the day. Australia ended the day on 290 for 6, a much-improved position from earlier in the day when they found themselves struggling on 87 for 4. Jardine talking afterwards could not remember such a silence that befell the Sydney cricket Ground during Larwood's terrific spell, compare this with the sound that greeted McCabe when he re-entered the arena after tea and you have some idea of the emotions that were present throughout the day.