Start of South Africa’s first Test, versus England, Port Elizabeth.

On March 12, 1889, history was made as South Africa played its first-ever Test match against England in Port Elizabeth. This significant event marked the beginning of a long and storied cricketing tradition in South Africa. The match not only captivated fans from both nations but also laid the foundation for the growth and development of cricket in South Africa.

The anticipation leading up to the Test match was palpable. Both teams were eager to prove their mettle on the international stage and set the tone for the future of cricket in their respective countries. The South African team, led by their captain Owen Dunell, faced a formidable challenge against the experienced and talented English side.

To accommodate the large crowd expected to witness this historic encounter, the cricket ground in Port Elizabeth was filled to its capacity. Excitement filled the air as spectators gathered to watch the clash of these two cricketing giants. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eagerly awaiting the first ball of the match.

England won the toss and elected to bat first. The South African team took to the field with determination, ready to make their mark in the history books. Led by their captain, Dunell, the South Africans put in a spirited performance, aiming to unsettle the English batsmen and restrict their scoring opportunities.

The English opening batsmen, Albert Ward and Arthur Shrewsbury, stepped onto the crease amidst a wave of anticipation. The South African bowlers launched a relentless attack, seeking to exploit any weaknesses in the English batting lineup. Although the English batsmen showed resilience and skill, the South Africans managed to take crucial wickets at regular intervals.

As the match progressed, it became evident that the South African team was not intimidated by their more experienced opponents. The South African bowlers showcased their talent and determination, bowling with accuracy and generating movement off the pitch. Their efforts were rewarded with frequent breakthroughs, as they dismissed several key English batsmen.

In response to England’s total of 202 runs, South Africa took to the crease with hopes of mounting a competitive score. However, the English bowlers proved to be equally potent, consistently troubling the South African batsmen. The pressure was immense, as the South African team aimed to prove their worth in their inaugural Test match.

Despite facing a strong English attack, Charles Absolom, the South African opening batsman, displayed great skill and resilience. Absolom’s composed batting style earned him the distinction of becoming the first-ever South African cricketer to score a century in Test cricket. His innings of 115 runs electrified the crowd and instilled hope in the hearts of South African fans.

Unfortunately, the rest of the South African batting lineup failed to capitalise on Absolom’s heroics, and the team was bowled out for 84 runs. England, with a commanding lead of 118 runs, had the opportunity to dictate terms in the second innings.

In their pursuit of victory, the English batsmen asserted their dominance, amassing a mammoth total of 292 runs. The South African bowlers toiled hard in the scorching Port Elizabeth heat but were unable to break through the resolute English batting lineup. Despite their best efforts, the South African team found themselves set an improbable target of 411 runs for victory.

Chasing a record target, the South African batsmen displayed glimpses of resistance, but the English bowlers ultimately proved too much to handle. The South African innings folded at 237 runs, handing England a comprehensive victory by 173 runs.

While the result may not have gone in favor of South Africa, the significance of this first Test match cannot be overstated. It was a moment of great pride for the South African team and their supporters, as they made their mark in the cricketing landscape.

The inaugural Test match between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth laid the foundation for the growth and development of cricket in South Africa. It showcased the talent and determination of South African cricketers and provided valuable lessons to build upon for future generations.

Today, cricket is deeply ingrained in the fabric of South African sports, thanks in part to those players who took to the field in Port Elizabeth on that historic day in 1889. The legacy of the first Test match lives on, serving as a reminder of the rich cricketing heritage that South Africa holds and the heights their cricket has reached since that humble beginning.