The Story of First Ever ODI...

Limited Over International or One Day International cricket started accidently. It sounds bizarre but the first ODI ever played was totally unplanned. The story goes back to 1971 Ashes, where the third ashes test between Australia and England at Melbourne in January 1971 was completely washed out. 

The fear of financial losses led both cricket boards agreed to play a match on what would have been the fifth day of the Test. A one day, 40-overs-a-side match was arranged to appease the disappointed spectators. Tobacco company Rothmans was a last-minute sponsor to the tune of £5000, and the Man of the Match stood to earn £90.

Check the Story of First Ever ODI World Cup

Forty six thousand spectators turned up to see this historical match which the home side won by five wickets and one day international (ODI) was born. It was played in white kits with a red ball.

Brief Scorecard

Australian captain WM Lawry won the toss and opted to field. England were bowled out for 190 and the home side easily achieved the target with over 5 overs and 5 wickets in hand.

England  -  190 in 39.4 Overs (J Edrich - 82, A Knott - 24,  AA Mallett - 3/34, KR Stackpole - 3/40

Australia - 191/5 in 34.6 Overs (IM Chappel - 60, KD walters - 41, R Illingworth - 3/50)

Player of the match - JH Edrich (England)

Famous Quotes

"We didn't realise at the time what was going to happen," recalled Peter Lever. "But obviously that was the first of any international one-day cricket, and we went and bloody lost."

Greg Chappell, who made an unbeaten 22, said: "I think everyone sort of saw one-day cricket as being an add-on and a bit of fun to be had on the side occasionally in a situation like that, basically. But I don't think anyone really had any idea of what might grow out of it.”

Sahir