WATCH: Test Cricket's broadcast debut

The year 1938 was significant in the broadcast industry as many TV programs, including live sports started televising as well amid a time when radio was the only source of news. As far as televised sports are concerned, The Oxford and Cambridge Boar Race, the FA Cup Final, the football match between England and Scotland, and the ice hockey match between Harringay Racers and Streatham Redskins were all televised live on TV, especially on BBC. Along with these, a Test match was also televised on BBC for the first time – the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord’s – on June 24, 1938.

BBC live-telecasted Ashes Test match

However, Ashes used to cover on the radio before this way back in 1930 but that was the first time the BBC live-telecasted a Test match as well. It was the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord’s after the first at Trent Bridge ended in a draw. There were three cameras where one focused on the batter, another one on the bowler and the rest focused on the general scenario.

Moreover, a commentary position was set up at the Nursery End of the Lord’s stadium and Teddy Wakelam was given the responsibility of broadcasting considering his prior experience.

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However, the coverage was from 11:30 AM to 12:30 (Morning session), followed by 2:30 PM to 3:30 (Till tea) and from 3:50 PM to 5 PM (Evening session) as well. Don Bradman won the toss for Australia and they chose to bat first.

Lord’s Test witnessed a significant success

After the success of the Lord’s Test – where Wally Hammond scored a double-century (240) alongside Bill Brown (206*) the fifth match at The Oval too was telecast. In that match, England scored 903 for 7 – a record that was not broken for nearly six decades. Len Hutton smashed 364 as England won the match by a massive margin of an innings and 579 runs, which is still the largest margin of victory for a team in Test cricket as well.

The same year in 1938 – also saw BBC telecasting their first-ever overseas Test match between South Africa and England, the Christmas Eve Test, which saw Tom Goddard pick up a hat-trick on Boxing Day as well.