Sport in Australia in his book, "Australia", published in 1870, "The English passion for the amusements which are technically called 'sports', is not a national necessity with the Americans, whereas with the Australians it is almost as much so as home." The first team formally organised soccer team was formed in Sydney in 1880 and was named the Wanderers. Sport was receiving coverage in Australian newspapers by 1876 when a sculling race in England was reported in the "Sydney Morning Herald". In 1877, Australia played in the first Test Cricket match against England. In 1882, The Ashes were started following the victory of
Ian Johnson with the Australian cricket team in England in 1948 England fell for 186, handing Australia victory by 409 runs and a 2–0 series lead. The next match was against Surrey and started the day after the Test. Johnson was rested as Australia completed a ten-wicket win. Johnson returned for the following match against Gloucestershire before the Third Test. Australia batted first and reached 7/774 declared, its highest score of the tour, which underpinned a victory by an innings and 363 runs. Johnson made 27, after coming in at 6/669 and playing a supporting role in a 105-run partnership with Sam Loxton, who made 159 not out. Acting captain Hassett