There is an intriguing backstory to the first one day cricket match. Because to the unexpected weather, matches in the Ashes Test Series that England was playing in Australia were being postponed. The third Test in Melbourne was abandoned after the first two days of play, and when fans arrived at the stadium the next day, it was anticipated that there would be no further action.
Fortunately, the weather improved, and the match officials decided to try something new. An invention that later became known as the One Day International (ODI). They made the decision to play a one-day encounter with two innings and 40 overs each.
Teams from Australia and England were creating fresh history in front of the 46 thousand spectators who filled the stadium. Australia won the toss and decided to field first. The entire team was dismissed for 190 runs by England in 39.4 overs. KWR Fletcher scored 24 runs, while John Edrich scored 82. KR Stackpole and AA Mallett each claimed three wickets.
In reply, Australia easily reached the goal in 34.6 overs while losing only 5 wickets. KD Walter scored 41 runs, Ian Chappell scored 60 runs, and captain WM Lawry scored 27 runs. K Shuttleworth took one wicket, and R Illingworth took three wickets.
John Edrich of England was awarded Player of the Match as Australia defeated England in this first one day cricket match by 5 wickets. All 22 players made their ODI debuts, with 11 from each team.
After this unexpectedly successful experience, ODIs began to thrive and were eventually incorporated permanently into cricket. The first ever Cricket World Cup, which was based on ODIs, was held in 1975, four years after this inaugural ODI was played.
