In 1891/92, four years after England had last visited Australia, a team captained by W.G. Grace, was organised, financed, and managed by Lord Sheffield, toured the nation. Sheffield later donated the Sheffield Shield, still the most prestigious competition in Australian domestic cricket.
The first Test began on 1 January 1892 at the MCG, where Australia won the toss and chose to bat. William Bruce top scored with 57 and Alec Bannerman made 45 in a total of 240, while John Sharpe took 6-84.
England were able to match them with their reply, with Grace and George Bean making half-centuries in a total of 252. Bob McLeod was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 5-53. Australia then made 236, J.J. Lyons leading the way with 51.
That meant England needed 213, but, unfortunately for them, they were bowled out for 155, Charlie Turner taking 5-51, while there were three wickets for Harry Trott. Australia had won by 54 runs.
It was on to Adelaide for the second Test, where Australia again batted first after winning the toss. That proved to be a questionable decision as they were then bowled out for 144, George Lohmann finishing with 8-55.
England made a strong reply, posting 307, largely thanks to Bobby Abel’s unbeaten 132 opening the innings.
Leading by 163, England were well on top at that stage. But Australia then did much better with the bat in their second innings, Lyons making 134, Bruce 72 and George Giffen 49, helping their side to 391.
England, needing 229, lost their first three wickets cheaply and never recovered. Andrew Stoddart made 69, but it was ultimately in vain as his side were all out for 156, falling to a 72-run defeat.
The teams headed to Sydney for the third Test match, where it was England’s turn to win the toss and bat. And, in an era of uncovered pitches, where bowlers tended to come out on top, it proved to be a rare instance where the batters did.
Stoddart made 135 and Bobby Peel 83, and Grace and Maurice Read both passed 50, as England racked up 499. In reply, Johnny Briggs and Lohmann bowled unchanged as Australia were dismissed for exactly 100, Briggs taking six wickets and Lohmann three.
Following on, Australia were all out for 169 second time round, with Briggs taking another six wickets and William Attewell chipping in with three this time.
England had won by an innings and 230 runs.