- Test Cricket’s First Ever Hat-Trick (January 2nd, 1882)
Just five years after the gentlemen’s game was introduced to the world, cricket’s first Test hat-trick took place on this day in 1882. With only Australia and England registered to play Tests back then, it was the baggy green fast bowler Fred Spofforth, who took three wickets in three consecutive balls for the first time ever against England in Melbourne.
Going by the look of his face and the oral history associated, he was the demons in the eyes of an Englishmen. Much to his reputation, he was also regarded as the best bowler among his competitors during the early era of the game.
Fast bowler by nature, Fred ‘The Demon’ Spofforth finished his Test career with 94 wickets in 18 matches.