1971: 1st ever ODI is a hurriedly arranged stop gap in Ashes (MCG)

Originally the third Test of the 1970–71 Ashes series at the MCG was abandoned due to persistent rain; a 40-over-a-side match (8 ball overs) was arranged instead and a 7th Test match was added at the back end of the tour.

• This was the first-ever official ODI match in cricket history.
• It marked the beginning of limited-overs international cricket.
• It was played with red balls, white clothing, and traditional rules, unlike the colored kits and white balls in modern ODIs which only emerged in 1979.

England batted 39.4 overs as they posted 191/5. Australia reached the target in the 35th over to win by 5 wickets.

Match Summary

England Innings: 190 all out in 39.4 overs

• John Edrich – 82 (119 balls)
• Keith Fletcher – 24
• Alan Thomson – 3/51
• Garth McKenzie – 2/22

Australia Innings: 191/5 in 34.6 overs

• Ian Chappell – 60 (103 balls)
• Doug Walters – 41*
• Ray Illingworth – 1/27
• Basil D’Oliveira – 1/30

Player of the Match: John Edrich (England) – For his 82 runs, despite being on the losing side.

Jan 1971