Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanacks,
Football & Sporting Memorabilia

Australia tour to England 1888. ‘Grand Cricket Match. England v. Australians’. Early original single sided scorecard with printed scores complete to the end of the first day’s play for the third and final Test at Old Trafford, 30th & 31st August 1888. In this remarkable match, England won the toss and batted first, reaching 172 in their first innings, W.G. Grace top scorer with 38, Charlie Turner taking 5/86. In reply, the scorecard depicts Australia’s score of 32/2 at the end of the first day. On the second day, they went on to be bowled out cheaply for 81, Bobby Peel taking 7/31, his best Test figures. Required to follow on, Australia found themselves six wickets down for only seven runs, the first four batsmen, Bannerman, McDonnell, Trott and Bonnor all out for ducks, the worst start for any Test team. Only John Lyons (32) and Charlie Turner (26) reached double figures in their total of 70, Peel taking a further four wickets to return match bowling figures of eleven wickets for 68 runs. England won by an innings and 21 runs, the match being completed by lunch on the second day with eighteen wickets falling in the morning’s play. Australia’s second innings lasted just 69 minutes, which remains their shortest Test innings, and this remains the shortest Test match played in England. Printed on the ground by Whitham and Son of Sheffield and Manchester. 5”x7”. Untidily handwritten scores in pencil to verso. Light creasing and foxing, otherwise in good/ very good condition.