The first players to score Test centuries for their countries

Australia: Charles Bannerman

Alfred Shaw (Left) of England bowled the first ball in Test cricket to Charles Bannerman (Right)

This right-handed batsman became the first centurion in Test match cricket as he notched up three figures before the end of the first day's play.

Forced to retire hurt after scoring a 165, Bannerman went on to play just 3 Tests as illness cut short his playing career.

England born Australian batsman Charles Bannerman holds a lot of significance as far as cricket history is concerned.

The first man to face a ball in Test cricket, Bannerman was also the first to score a run when he opened his account in the inaugural Test in 1877 at the MCG.

He later went on to take up mentorship and coaching roles and also served the game as an umpire. His match-winning score of 165* stays, till date, as the highest scored by the first centurion of any Test playing nation.

The fact that Australia only managed 245 in that innings exemplifies his batting class and pedigree.