December 28, 1934: First-ever Women’s Test match began

On 1934, December 28, England took on Australia in the first-ever official Test match.

In 1934, Australia’s Women Cricket Council which was founded in 1930/31 sent an invitation to England for a tour to Australia and New Zealand. England, who were a bit senior team compared to Australia at that time, accepted it immediately.

However, a few frontline cricketers had to miss the tour because they couldn’t afford 80 Euros (the players used to pay for everything those days.), a few couldn’t stay away from the family for a long time, and a few had other jobs. In the end, seven teachers, two secretaries, two art students, a lawyer, an army official and two other players made it to the squad.

Also, the players were allowed on tour, but there were a few conditions. No smoking, no gambling and no men. The women agreed to the same, and the team began their travel through the sea in October.

They reached Australia and played against the local teams and were kept busy by the press conferences which went on for hours. Soon, on December 28, 1934, Both the teams took the field for the first time, officially.

England led by the “national treasure” Betty Archdale dominated the hosts right from the beginning and Australia made only 47 runs. Myrtle Maclagan did damage by picking up 7 wickets for the team. In return, England made 154 with Myrtle Maclagan once again starring with the bat. She scored 72 runs. Anne Palmer’s 7 for 18 helped Australia to bounce back in the game.

The team batted better than the first innings this time to score 138 with Essie Shevill leading the team with the bat with 63*.

Chasing only 32 runs to win, Betty Snowball scored 18* and Molly Hide scored 6* as the team went on to defeat Australia by 9 wickets.

England then went on to win the second Test by 8 wickets. This time, Myrtle Maclagan had 4 wickets in the first innings and 119 runs with the bat. In the second, Joy Partridge picked up six wickets and England chased down 10 runs with ease to win the match. Australia then finally bounced back in the third Test to draw it for the first time.

Feature image courtesy: Australia cricket museum