Emma John’s astute analysis of cricket in Australia is spot-on (England has ruthlessly privatized cricket – Australia embraces it with continued public displays of affection, January 9). I have been visiting Australia for many years – our son and his family live in Sydney. When locals hear my accent, they usually respond with, “Sorry about the cricket, buddy.” It is not in a gloating way or in a superior way, but from a genuine sense of amazement at how, when we have often promised a real match, we act like a defective firework.
As Emma points out, cricket in Australia is a national obsession and open to all, to watch or play. In England it has become elitist as free television broadcasts are long gone, the cost of going to a match becomes increasingly prohibitive and the importance of the county game as a place of learning has eroded. Despite a loyal and wealthy group of supporters, epitomized by the Barmy Army, it has become a minority sport, and poorer for it.
Until cricket is opened to all, our national team will continue to struggle; One day we may truly mark the death of English cricket.
Chris Smith
Exeter
Emma John’s analysis of how cricket is nurtured in Australia while it withers on the vine here reflects a broader trend. I visited India in 2014, and every piece of wasteland was hosting a cricket match, with the outfield packed with more than 50 participants. In the eight years that I have walked my dogs around my local park here in Manchester, the artificial cricket pitch has been used less than four times each summer, while the football pitches are in constant use by boys and girls. Cricket is dying out as a participation sport in England.
Richard Houghton
Manchester
Emma John’s insightful article reflects well on Australian cricket from an outsider’s perspective, and is respectful. How many times have we heard ‘worst Aussie team ever’ and ‘England 5-0’ before the Test series? So often England and their fans come into this country and carry on in a disrespectful manner. And who will forget the behavior in the Long Room at Lord’s in 2023? There was no better feeling than wrapping them up.
Simon Cavenagh
Sydney, Australia
What a beautiful article. Having emigrated from England 44 years ago, the cricket has been a constant delight. Summer wouldn’t be complete without it and yes, it’s just as present as the beach, or surfing, or barbecues. I love the vision of a late summer afternoon, golden light, long shadows and an Australian batsman striding into center at the SCG. It feels like home. Long may it continue.
Anthony Wood
Sydney, Australia
#Test #times #English #cricket #Letters