Test cricket is the oldest and foremost form of cricket played. A Test match goes on for 5 days and consists of two innings each. The first-ever recognized Test was played in 1877, between England and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia won this match by 45 runs. But, this was not an international Test. The first international Test was played between Canada and USA in 1844, both of whom are not Test-playing countries today. The International Cricket Council has awarded Test status to 10 nations. Bangladesh is the latest to join in 2000. Test-playing countries in order of receiving ICC recognition are:
| Countries |
Year of recognition |
| Australia |
15 March 1877 |
| England |
15 March 1877 |
| South Africa |
12 March 1889 |
| West Indies |
23 June 1928 |
| New Zealand |
10 January 1930 |
| India |
25 June 1932 |
| Pakistan |
16 October 1952 |
| Sri Lanka |
16 October 1952 |
| Zimbabwe |
18 October 1992 |
| 18 October 1992 |
10 November 2000 |
Test Format: Each team plays 2 innings. The team batting first tries to score a huge total while the opponent has to bowl out the other team. The second team then gets its chance. They have to surpass the opponent’s total and take a lead. However, if they fail to reach the first team’s total, the first team gets a lead of the remaining runs. They again come out to bat and now try and set an impossible target. The second team bats next and if they fail to achieve the total, the first team wins. A Test goes on for 5 days.
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