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1st Test Cricket match played at Newlands, Cape Town v England

This article describes the history of South African cricket from its known beginnings until the end of the First World War in 1918. Test and first-class cricket were both introduced retrospectively...

This article describes the history of South African cricket from its known beginnings until the end of the First World War in 1918.

Test and first-class cricket were both introduced retrospectively to South Africa in the 1888–89 season by the elevation in status of two matches played by an English touring team against a South African national team. At the same time, the Currie Cup was donated by Sir Donald Currie for the domestic championship and this was first contested in the 1889–90 season. Playing standards rose and a number of provincial teams were able to challenge for the championship, including Eastern Province, Griqualand West, Natal, Transvaal and Western Province.

Historical Significance

This article describes the history of South African cricket from its known beginnings until the end of the First World War in 1918.

Events Before

  1. The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C., to promote "the increase and diffusion of geographic kno

    The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C., to promote "the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge" [1]

  2. “Father of American Golf” John Reid first demonstrates golf on a Yonkers cow pasture to friends

    “Father of American Golf” John Reid first demonstrates golf on a Yonkers cow pasture to friends

  3. The Convention of Constantinople is signed, guaranteeing free maritime passage through the Suez Canal during war and pea

    The Convention of Constantinople is signed, guaranteeing free maritime passage through the Suez Canal during war and peace

  4. Industrialist Henry Ford (24) weds Clara Jane Bryant (22) in Greenfield Township, Michigan

    Industrialist Henry Ford (24) weds Clara Jane Bryant (22) in Greenfield Township, Michigan

  5. Crouching start first used in track and field by Charles Sherrill of Yale

    Crouching start first used in track and field by Charles Sherrill of Yale

Events After

  1. Physicist J. J. Thomson (33) weds Rose Elisabeth Paget

    Physicist J. J. Thomson (33) weds Rose Elisabeth Paget

  2. Eritrea is consolidated into a colony by the Italian government

    Eritrea, officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa. Its capital and largest city is Asmara.

  3. German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck resigns after 19 years after a disagreement with German Emperor Wilhelm II

    German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck resigns after 19 years after a disagreement with German Emperor Wilhelm II

  4. Painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir (49) weds Aline Victorine Charigot

    Painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir (49) weds Aline Victorine Charigot

  5. Canadian boxer George Dixon becomes the first Black world champion when he stops English bantamweight champion Edwin "Nu

    Canadian boxer George Dixon becomes the first Black world champion when he stops English bantamweight champion Edwin "Nunc" Wallace in 18 rounds in London

More from the 1880s

The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C., to promote "the increase and diffusion of geographic kno

The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C., to promote "the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge" [1]

The first electric lighting system employing overhead wires, built by Thomas Edison, begins service at Roselle, New Jers

The first electric lighting system employing overhead wires, built by Thomas Edison, begins service at Roselle, New Jersey

American painter Thomas Eakins (40) weds American painter and photographer Susan Macdowell (32) in a Quaker ceremony in

American painter Thomas Eakins (40) weds American painter and photographer Susan Macdowell (32) in a Quaker ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, until his death in 1916

Abolitionist Frederick Douglass marries his second wife suffragist Helen Pitts

Abolitionist Frederick Douglass marries his second wife suffragist Helen Pitts

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 25, 1889?
This article describes the history of South African cricket from its known beginnings until the end of the First World War in 1918. Test and first-class cricket were both introduced retrospectively to South Africa in the 1888–89 season by the elevation in status of two matches played by an English touring team against a South African national team. At the same time, the Currie Cup was donated by Sir Donald Currie for the domestic championship and this was first contested in the 1889–90 season.
Why is 1st Test Cricket match played at Newlands, Cape Town v England significant?
This article describes the history of South African cricket from its known beginnings until the end of the First World War in 1918.

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March 25 in HistoryYear 1889