When a rain-ruined Test between Australia and England in 1971 resulted in the first one-day international at Melbourne, few believed that this new form of cricket would become a global, money-spinning affair.

The first one-dayer was not a pre-planned affair as it was arranged on the last scheduled day of the rain-hit Test to appease the public.

It was an instant success, attracting nearly 46,000 spectators to the MCG.

It was a 40-overs-a-side match with eight balls in an over and played more like Test cricket because one-day specialists, like Australian Michael Bevan, were to arrive decades later.

It was just a coincidence that the game was played between the same opponents at the same venue where Test cricket began. The winners were also the same - Australia.

Ray Illingworth's England were all out for 190 after being put in to bat, with John Edrich top-scoring with 82 off 119 balls with just four fours.

Australia never looked in trouble, riding on Ian Chappell's half-century to win by five wickets. His brother and India's current coach, Greg, remained unbeaten with 22.

The authorities, however, were slow to wake up to the possibility of the new format as only 18 one-day internationals were played before the World Cup made its debut in England in 1975 with eight teams.

It is something unthinkable in the modern marketing era when one-dayers are everywhere and attract a global television audience.

The authorities now just look for an opportunity to hold a one-day series, thanks to sponsorship and spectators' response. Players do complain about the taxing schedules, but the caravan just rolls on.

The first World Cup was different as white balls, coloured clothing, black sightscreens, day-night matches and worldwide television viewership were unheard of.

England enjoyed one of their best summers in years as none of the 15 games was ruined by rain, while the West Indies had their date with destiny sealed when they lifted the Cup on the longest day -- June 21.

The 60-overs-a-side final, at a packed Lord's, was also one of the longest, starting at 11 in the morning and finishing at 20:42 in the evening when Australian tail-ender Jeff Thomson was run out trying to steal a bye.

It was the best advertisement for one-day cricket. It was a close, tense match with fortunes fluctuating till the end before Australia (274) fell 17 runs short of the West Indies' total (291-8).

Viv Richards was the first to stress the significance of fielding in the shorter version of the game, bringing off three of the five run-outs in the Australian innings.

Teams were to give special attention to this aspect in coming decades, with South African Jonty Rhodes taking fielding to a new high.

Put in to bat, the West Indies began on a sensational note when opener Roy Fredericks hooked paceman Dennis Lillee for a six, but started returning to the pavilion. It took a while to realise he had stepped on to his stumps.

The West Indies were struggling at 50-3 before skipper Clive Lloyd restored his team's fortunes with a quickfire 85-ball 102. He put on 149 for the fourth wicket with veteran Rohan Kanhai (55) to help his team set a stiff target.

Australian captain Ian Chappell scored an impressive half-century, but the asking-rate kept climbing. The run-outs kept Australia pushing back.

The West Indies had virtually wrapped up the game when they reduced their opponents to 233-9. Thomson and Lillee then underlined the Australian resilience, adding 41 for the last wicket.

The West Indies supporters also figured in the drama, once rushing on to the field in jubilation when Fredericks caught Lillee. They had to retreat soon as umpire Tom Spencer signalled it a no-ball.

They did not have to wait long for the celebrations.

The final still ranks as one of the best in the World Cup history, although the tournament has gone through many changes since then.

Its appearance has changed as it is no longer played in whites. Tactics have developed as pinch-hitters have arrived following fielding restrictions and more batsmen are now willing to play unorthodox shots, like a reverse-sweep.

One thing that has not changed is that excellence is still required to win matches.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)