Australian cricket team in New Zealand in 1896–97
The Australian cricket team toured New Zealand in November 1896, playing five matches. They were returning from their 1896 tour of England.
It was Australia's fourth tour of New Zealand, after tours in 1877-78, 1880-81 and 1886-87. The Australians played four matches against provincial teams, three of which fielded 18 players.
The final match of the tour was against a New Zealand 15. It was New Zealand’s first international match, following the formation of the New Zealand Cricket Council in 1894. All previous touring teams had played only against provincial sides.
The Australians defeated Southland, Otago and New Zealand, and drew against Auckland and Wellington. As none of the matches were 11-a-side they are not considered to have been first-class.Harry Donnan, the other member of the side that had toured England, did not play in New Zealand as he had to return to his employment in Sydney.
