Watch rare footage from the first ever ODI, played on this day 45 years back

The first ever One Day International in the history of cricket was played on January 5, 45 years ago, in 1971. And considering the popularity of the limited overs format, it is a trifle ironic to note that this historic event was unplanned, a hastily organised one-off to compensate a washed-out Test match.

One-day cricket had already started at the domestic level in both Australia and England but there were no plans as such to bring it to the international stage. England were touring Australia during the 1971 Ashes. After two dull draws, the proceedings shifted to Melbourne, where heavy rain washed out the first three days, leading to the Test match being abandoned.

Since this would lead to heavy financial losses for the hosts, some form of compensation needed to be worked out. While an extra Test at the end of the tour was arranged, it was also decided that the public should also be given something to watch.

Thus, on the scheduled fifth day, the teams came out to play the first ever limited overs international.

The match in question was a fairly tame affair, played over only forty overs in front of a capacity crowd, an early measure of the popularity of the format. England batted first and were bowled out for 190, opener John Edrich scoring the bulk of the runs with 82 (off 119 balls). In reply, Australia were rarely troubled, strolling to the target with five wickets in hand. The highlight was Ian Chappell’s 60, which also contained ODI cricket’s first ever six.