A fine early lithograph of an international cricket match at the Kennington Oval, London, from around 1880 by William MacKenzie. This is most likely a reference to England’s first test match in England which took place from 6-8 September 1880 against Australia at this ground. England scored a commanding 420 runs in the first innings, the legendary W. G. Grace achieved 152. It was their legendary second meeting at the Oval in 1882 which became the birthplace of the ‘Ashes’ when Australia won in spectacular fashion. Set just 85 runs to win, the bowling of ‘The Demon’ Fred Spofforth dismissed them for just 77. “The defeat was seen as such a national calamity that three days later a mock obituary appeared in the Sporting Times, declaring the death of English cricket and that the body would be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” (www.lords.org).

It is not known for sure which international match this image depicts, but most likely that first encounter in 1880. The viewpoint is no doubt from the Surrey Tavern looking north towards the gas works behind. William MacKenzie was active as a publisher from 1866 to 1895. This view was included in some examples of the undated ‘British Field Sports’ by Henry Downes Miles.