Charles Bannerman carved an imperishable mark in cricket history when he scored a hundred in the first Test match in 1877. His Wisden obituary in 1931 acknowledged his importance.
Bannerman, Charles, died on August 20, 1930, aged 79.
Charles Bannerman was one of the three survivors of the 22 players who took part in what, according to records at present accepted, was the First Test match between England and Australia.
Only those whose memories go back many years can recall this very fine batsman. In his day he was the best in Australia. He had a splendid style, standing well up to the ball, and was master of nearly every stroke; indeed his batting was essentially skillful and polished. He drove finely to the off, and could hit with power and accuracy to leg.
Over and above his qualities as a run-getter he had another claim to fame as being a first-class field, no matter the position in which he was put. The match in which he really made his name took place in Melbourne in the middle of March, 1877.
Towards the end of May he took part in the historic match at Lord’s against the MCC, when the Maryleborne Club were dismissed by Spofforth and Boyle for 19. The Australians won by nine wickets. Bannerman paid no other visit to England, illness cutting short his career as a cricketer. At various times he undertook coaching duties in Melbourne and Sydney and at Christ’s College, Christchurch, in New Zealand, and later became an efficient umpire. He was elder brother of the late AC Bannerman of stone-walling fame.
