AUSTRALIAN CRICKET COLLECTION

Cricket in the 60s - The 1960s began with what has been regarded as 'The Greatest Test Series Ever Played', Australia v West Indies 1960/61. The game's most contentious issue, illegal bowling actions, reached its climax with the no balling of Ian Meckiff by umpire Colin Egar. There was a shift in the axis of power in world cricket with the rise of the West Indies and South Africa.The tragedy of the D'Oliveira Affair and world opposition to the policy of apartheid would see South Africa banished from the world stage.

Cricket in the 50s - The 1950s was the decade where Australia ventured beyond its traditional boundaries, for the first time making visits to the West Indies (1955) then India and Pakistan (1956 & 1959/60). By the end of the decade Australia had played official matches in every corner of the cricket world. The game went through many trials and tribulations - issues of captaincy, losses in three consecutive 'Ashes' campaigns, controversy over illegal bowling actions and the advent of television coverage.

Cricket in the 80s - During the 1980s, tremors of varying intensity shook Australian cricket to its very foundation. The schism caused by the World Series Cricket revolution, the rise and dominance of world cricket by the West Indies and the defection of sixteen players to rebel tours of apartheid South Africa saw Australian cricket slump to possibly the lowest point in its once illustrious history. Inspired by the courage and determination of Allan Border, Australian cricket recovered, winning the World Cup in1987 and regaining the Ashes in 1989.

Cricket in the 70s - The 1970s turned out to be the most tumultuous period in the history of test cricket. It was a period of great controversy, but it was also a period of great cricket and great players! Names such as Chappell, Walters, Marsh, Lillee, Thomson, Sobers, Lloyd, Richards, Greig, Snow, Underwood & Willis reflect on the cricket, the characters and the controversies of a colourful era that ultimately changed the way that the game of cricket was played in the future. The 'Chappell Era' holds a special place in the hearts of cricket lovers!

This item is on sale and will not ship until Thu 3 Dec 2009.