Emma John’s perceptive analysis of cricket in Australia is spot-on (England ruthlessly privatised cricket – Australia embraces it with constant public displays of affection, 9 January). I have been visiting Australia for many years – our son and his family live in Sydney. The locals, on hearing my accent, mostly respond by saying “Sorry about the cricket, mate.” It’s not in a gloating or superior way, but in a genuine sense of puzzlement at how when we have often promised a real contest we perform like a malfunctioning firework.
As Emma observes, in Australia cricket is a national obsession and accessible to all, either to watch or to play. In England it has become elitist, with free-to-air TV coverage long gone, the cost of going to a game increasingly prohibitive and the county game’s importance as a place to learn having been eroded. In spite of a loyal and well-heeled bunch of supporters, epitomised by the Barmy Army, it has become a minority sport, and the poorer for it.
Until cricket is opened up to all, our national team will continue to struggle; one day we may really be marking the death of English cricket.
Chris Smith
Exeter
Emma John’s analysis of how cricket is cherished in Australia while it withers on the vine here reflects a wider trend. I visited India in 2014, and every patch of wasteland was hosting a pickup game of cricket, with the outfield packed with 50-plus participants. In eight years of walking my dogs around my local park here in Manchester, the artificial cricket strip has been used fewer than four times a summer, while the football pitches are in constant use by boys and girls. Cricket in England is dying as a participation sport.
Richard Houghton
Manchester
Emma John’s enlightening article reflects well on Australian cricket from an outsider’s perspective, and is respectful. How many times did we hear “worst Aussie team ever” and “England 5-0” before the Test series? So many times England and their fans swagger into this country and carry on in a disrespectful manner. And who will forget the behaviour in the Long Room at Lord’s in 2023? There was no better feeling than sending them packing.
Simon Cavenagh
Sydney, Australia
What a lovely article. Having immigrated from England 44 years ago, the cricket has been a constant delight. Summer would not be complete without it and yes, it is 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 the middle at the SCG. It feels like home. Long may it continue.
Anthony Wood
Sydney, Australia