The first Test cricket match was played starting on:

The first official Test match in cricket history began on 15 March 1877 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia. It was played between Australia and England and lasted until 19 March 1877.

Key facts about the first Test:

• Australia won by 45 runs.
• Australia's captain was Dave Gregory, and England's captain was James Lillywhite.

Australia's Charles Bannerman scored 165 runs (retired hurt), the first century in Test cricket. He faced the very first ball in Test history.

The match was timeless (no fixed number of days) and used four-ball overs.

The Centenary Test:

In March 1977, the "Centenary Test" was played at the MCG to mark 100 years of Test cricket. By a remarkable coincidence, Australia again won by exactly 45 runs.

The Ashes:

The famous Ashes rivalry between England and Australia began after Australia defeated England at The Oval in 1882. A newspaper published a mock obituary saying English cricket had died and its body would be cremated and "the ashes taken to Australia".

India's Test history:

India played its first Test on 25 June 1932 at Lord's, London, against England, under captain C. K. Nayudu. India became the sixth Test-playing nation.

India's first Test win came in 1952 against England at Madras (Chennai).

India's first home Test was played at the Bombay Gymkhana in December 1933.

Why not the other options?

• ✗25 June 1932 is the date of India's first Test match.
• ✗14 July 1863 is not linked to the first Test.
• ✗1 January 1900 is not linked to the first Test.