Cricket’s pioneers – a look at England’s firsts

Cricket’s pioneers – a look at England’s firsts
... First century
It had to be him: WG Grace. Cricket’s first superstar scored the first ever Test century by an Englishman, stroking a 294-ball 152 against Australia at the Kennington Oval. It was the fourth Test ever, from 6 September 1880, and the home side won it by five wickets within three days. For Grace, it was a century on Test debut – he would score one more in Tests, and a staggering 124 in first-class cricket. ... 

First series winEngland’s first series win came at home, when Australia toured in 1880. England won the only Test in the series at the Kennington Oval, with Grace scoring their first ever century, by five wickets. It was a match that ebbed and flowed, but the home side held firm for a famous victory. ...