- Vaishnavi Sharma
Cricket is more than just a game for Australians. It has been an important part of their culture for more than a century and has become a way of life. The sport is a part of the psyche of the people and this is why they have been able to produce skillful and ardent players like Ricky Ponting, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and Pat Cummins.
The brand of cricket the Australian team plays, with zeal and aggressiveness, makes them almost unbeatable. Beating the Aussies in their backyard is one goal every team hopes to achieve.
Image reference: https://cricketaddictor.gumlet.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Australia-Cricket-Team-4.jpg?compress=true&quality=80&w=480&dpr=2.6
The concrete foundation of the Australian cricket team was laid way back in 1868 by members of the Aboriginal Group.
The Aboriginals are the natives of Australia who first came to the continent around 45,000 years ago. They were the primary inhabitants of the island, but following the invasion of the British, their lives changed drastically. They were displaced, exposed to new diseases and were engaged in violent conflicts. The impact of colonisation had changed their lives forever.
It is very surprising that after numerous bloody conflicts, it was Cricket that served as the melting pot of the two groups.
Image reference: https://www.deadlystory.com/content/Image/Articles/Aboriginal_Cricket_Team_1867.jpg
The Aboriginal team had its beginnings in the western districts of Victoria, where cricket was played in many cattle stations. The colonists introduced them to the sport and started including them in their matches. Over time, the group started enjoying the sport and became highly skilled in the game.
Looking at the ability and dedication of the players, a cricket team was formed from men of three different tribes - the Jardwadjali, Gunditjmara and Wotjobaluk. They were coached by the legendary Tom Wills and with his assistance were able to play a match against the Melbourne Cricket Club on Boxing Day. Despite losing, it was a monumental event as the match was viewed by approximately 8000 spectators and as a result, more games were arranged for the team.
Image references: https://www.nma.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/548991/cricket-poster-nma.img-ci20082088-295-wm-vs1-1400h.jpg
After much success and financial backing, it was decided that the team would play a match against England. Under the guidance of an ex- English cricketer, Charles Lawerence, the team left for England on a historic tour. It was the first time an organised sporting group was travelling to England as official representatives of Australia.
Image reference: https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/sites/sbs.com.au.nitv/files/styles/full/public/aboriginal_cricket_team_tom_wills_1866.jpg?itok=5QzfZ3SM
The team had to face its fair share of challenges, from playing matches in a gruelling schedule to being on the receiving end of racial slurs and having questions raised about their skills. But in the end, they conquered all obstacles and proved all critics wrong. They had a terrific run in England, surprising their rivals with their sporting prowess by winning 14, losing 14 and drawing 19 of their 47 matches. One of the standout performances was by Johnny Mullgah, an individual from the Wotjobaluk group. He was a terrific all-rounder, scoring 1698 runs and taking 831 wickets.
Looking at their amazing performances, the crowds in England were curious to know more about the team. A match at the Oval Stadium in London attracted a crowd of 20,000 spectators, something which was never seen before. The ‘underdogs’ defied all expectations not just in England, but also in Australia and emerged victoriously.
The matches played between the Aboriginals and the Englishmen were historic and brought about drastic changes in their cricketing culture. The rivalry between the two countries continues to this day in the form of a thrilling test match series known as the Ashes.
Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” This quote perfectly sums up the life of the Aboriginals. Despite being trapped in tough situations, they managed to persevere and excel. They proved their worth in a foreign land and inspired many to carve their own identity without being burdened by societal expectations. Today cricketers like Hannah Darlington, Faith Thomas, Ashleigh Gardner and Dan Christian are ensuring that their great legacy continues and that their community gets the respect that it deserves.
Image reference: https://www.indigenous.gov.au/sites/default/files/cricket-tour.jpg
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