From 1598 to 2010 the game of cricket has had many ups and downs along way. Cricket is known historically for spanning from the first international matches played in1844, though the first official history of international Test Cricket began in 1877. In 1909, the ‘Imperial Cricket Conference’ was formed by England, South Africa and Australia.
In the 1894 season the inaugural South African tour of England took place. Between the two teams and 24 matches held, South Africa won 12 matches, drew 7and lost 5, though none of the matches were regarded as first-class fixtures. Seven years later in 1901 South Africa made its second tour of England, this time the team played first class cricket. From 1894 to 1965, many games were played between these two teams.
In 1991 the International Cricket Council (ICC) re-admitted South Africa to World Cricket, nearly 22 years after being isolated from the international fold due to apartheid and South Africa arrived in India for a three match one day series. After that in 1994 the South African cricket team toured England. Three test and two ODI matches were played by these two teams. They then played a five match Test series in the1998 season when the South African cricket team again toured England. Since then South Africa has toured England several times (2003, 2008, 2009).
After a long term, banned South Africa made a promising start to their international return. From 1994 to 2008 South Africa and England played 27(17 test and 10 one day) games. In the test matches South Africa and England each own 6 and draw 5 matches. On the other hand in ODI South Africa owned 2 and England 7, one match has no result.
When the great teams in Cricket history are discussed, the names England and South Africa emerge very quickly.