test matches were invented in the 19th century as a competition between england and australia. the first officially recognised test match took place on 15–19 march 1877 and was played between england and australia at the melbourne cricket ground (mcg). australia won by 45 runs. a test match to celebrate 100 years of test cricket was held in melbourne on 12–17 march 1977, in which australia beat england by 45 runs—the same margin as that first test. that first tour match was followed by a second test match, which was won by england. there were also a few games played against local teams, a tradition which continues today.