On this day 51 years ago, the first-ever One-Day International was played

The first One-Day International (ODI) between Australia and England was played on this day fifty-one years ago.

But the narrative of how it came to be is much more intriguing.

So, in domestic English cricket, the Gilette Cup, which began in 1963, the idea of playing a one-day match had already been tried. Internationally, though, the one-day game was still a novelty.

An ODI was played for the first time after eight years, though it was not a planned event. It was instead held to pacify the enraged cricket fans.

What happened?

England had gone to Australia for a Test series in 1970-71, with the third match scheduled to begin in early January of that year. The first two days of the Test at Melbourne Cricker Ground (MCG) were rained out, and the match was called off after the third day was again ruined by heavy rain.

The Australian cricket board opted to hold a 40-over match between Australia and England at the MCG, which attracted 46,000 spectators.

Bill Lawry, the Australian captain, won the toss and chose to bat first.

On that day, 22 men from both teams made their debuts.

England were bowled out for 190 in 40 overs when batting first, with opening batsman John Edrich scoring 82 off 119 balls, the only half-centurion for England.

The Australians chased down the score in 34.6 overs, with Ian Chappell scoring 60 from 103 balls.