This book explores the dynamics of Anglo-Australian cricketing relations within the 'British World' in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It explores what these interactions can tell us about broader Anglo-Australian relations during this period and, in particular, the evolution of an Australian national identity. Sport was, and is, a key aspect of Australian culture. Jared van Duinen demonstrates how sport was used to rehearse an identity that would then emerge in broader cultural and political terms. Using cricket as a case study, this book contributes to the ongoing historiographical debate about the nature and evolution of an Australian national identity.

Autorentext

Jared van Duinen is Lecturer in History at Charles Sturt University, Australia. He has previously published in the field of early modern British and transatlantic history with a focus on religious politics. In recent years, van Duinen has published a number of articles on the social and political significance of sport in the British Empire.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Metropole-to-Colony Cultural Traffic and the Development of Australian Cricket, 1860-1877.- 3. Bi-directional Cultural Traffic and the Evolution of an Australian Cricketing Identity.- 4. Interlude: the British World Personified: Fred 'the Demon' Spofforth and Billy Midwinter.- 5. Lord Sheffield's 1891-92 Tour and the Revitalisation of Australian Cricket.- 6. Conclusions.- 7. Bibliography.- 8. Index.