The First Australian Tour of England, 1868

As I reflect on my journey as a lifelong cricket fan, I realize that I've often overlooked the rich history of the Australian cricket team. Recently, I've felt a strong desire to delve into this history, particularly the remarkable story of the 13 Aboriginal Australians who participated in the inaugural Australian tour of England in 1868. Although this topic may seem outside the usual scope of Truebluecasino's content, I believe it's essential to pause and acknowledge the significance of this tour. It not only marks a pivotal moment in Australian sports history but also highlights the role of cricket in a time when sports served as a means of education rather than just entertainment. Join me as we explore the legacy of these early pioneers and their impact on the game we cherish today.

Here Is the First Line-Up of Players

The following 13 Aboriginal Australians played in the first Australian tour of England in 1868:

• Charles Lawrence (captain)
• Johnny Mullagh
• Tom Wills
• Billy Midwinter
• Dicky Richards
• Johnny Briggs
• Billy Walker
• Bullchanach
• King Cole
• Peter Jackson
• Ben Allen
• Joe Briggs
• Dicky Mann
• Bullfrog

The tour had mixed success, and the Aboriginal players helped to raise awareness of Aboriginal culture in England. It was 150 years too early to have a real impact on the white public.

Here are some specific examples of the public reaction to the 1868 Aboriginal Australians who played in the first Australian tour of England:

• The Sporting Life, a British newspaper, wrote that the Aboriginal players were "a marvel of skill and dexterity".
• The Daily Telegraph, another British newspaper, wrote that the Aboriginal players were "a credit to their race".
• The Times, a British newspaper, wrote that the Aboriginal players were "a novelty" and "a curiosity".

The public reaction to the 1868 Aboriginal Australians who played in the first Australian tour of England was mixed. Some people were impressed by the players' skill and athleticism, while others were more interested in their appearance and culture. There was also some racism and discrimination, with some people believing that Aboriginal people were not capable of playing cricket.

Highlights of the Tour

• The team won 14 of their 47 matches, losing 14 and drawing 19.
• They were particularly successful against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), winning two of their three matches against them.

Unfortunately, it was blighted by what we can only describe as racism and prejudice. The Tour was gruelling, and the players suffered from exhaustion. At the end of each game, the Australian team was expected to demonstrate 'traditional sports' such as boomerang and spear throwing.

Colonial Attitudes Spoil The Tour

The Aboriginal people did not make any money from the 1868 Australian tour of England. The tour was organized by a white man named Charles Lawrence, and he was the only one who profited from it. The Aboriginal players were promised a salary, but they never received any money. Instead, they were given food and accommodation.

The Aboriginal players were exploited by Lawrence, and they were denied the opportunity to earn a fair wage for their skills. This was a clear example of racism and discrimination, and it is a reminder of the challenges that Aboriginal people have faced in Australia.

Legacy Of The Tour

The year 1869 marked a crucial moment in the tragic history of the Aboriginals. It was when the Central Board for Aborigines finally declared that deporting any member of the Aboriginal community from Victoria without the express permission of a government minister was illegal. The resulting limitations to Aboriginal participation in various activities, including cricket, are an unfortunate and deeply negative legacy of colonialism.

It is a travesty that the legacy of the 1868 Indigenous touring team was only recognised by the Australian Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, such a long time after the tour. However, it is heartening to see progress being made in recent years, including the presentation of cap numbers by Cricket Australia in 2004, the opening of the Johnny Mullagh interpretative centre in Harrow, and the release of an Australia Post stamp marking the 150th anniversary of the historic tour. The smoking ceremony held by Cricket Australia at Johnny Mullagh’s water hole to celebrate the milestone was a particularly touching tribute to the team and their contribution to Australian sport.

Precursor To The Ashes Series

The legacy of the 1868 team extends far beyond their on-field performance; it serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of Aboriginal people in a challenging era. Subsequent recognition of these pioneering athletes, although long overdue, is a hopeful testament to progress in acknowledging the complexities of our past. Today, as we celebrate milestones like the opening of the Johnny Mullagh Interpretative Centre and commemorative stamps, we can appreciate the profound impact of these players on the sport we love. This exploration of their journey not only enriches our understanding of cricket but also honors the cultural significance that these early pioneers have left for future generations.

Let us continue to acknowledge their contribution and ensure that their story remains a vital part of our sporting narrative.