NEW DELHI, Feb 28, 2007 (AFP) – When a rain-ruined Test between Australia and England in 1971 resulted in the first one-day international at Melbourne, few believed that this new form of cricket would become a global, money-spinning affair. Cricket: Born 1971, one-day cricket grows into giant
The first one-dayer was not a pre-planned affair as it was arranged on the last scheduled day of the rain-hit Test to appease the public.
It was an instant success, attracting nearly 46,000 spectators to the MCG.
It was a 40-overs-a-side match with eight balls in an over and played more like Test cricket because one-day specialists, like Australian Michael Bevan, were to arrive decades later.
It was just a coincidence that the game was played between the same opponents at the same venue where Test cricket began. The winners were also the same – Australia.
Ray Illingworth’s England were all out for 190 after being put in to bat, with John Edrich top-scoring with 82 off 119 balls with just four fours.
Australia never looked in trouble, riding on Ian Chappell’s half-century to win by five wickets. His brother and India’s current coach, Greg, remained unbeaten with 22.
The authorities, however, were slow to wake up to th