A Summer of Cricket
This online exhibition explores the subject of Australian cricket on stamps. It tells the unique story of how cricket was originally sent around the world, how it developed in Australia and how its popularity grew as a subject for postal administrations and stamp collectors.
A match report published in the Australian on 6 July, 1832 described a Civilians v Military game and noted that
In my opinion the native youth (of this country) shew qualities of cricket playing I ever saw surpassed. Quickness of eye and foot, strength of arm in throwing, confidence in themselves, an ardent desire to win, and a good temper under defeat.
This spirit became a national passion and in the 180 years since, the game of cricket crept into art, literature, entertainment and the national imagery of our stamps.
Our pre-eminence as a cricketing nation makes the stamp a fitting location for celebrating cricketing endeavours as well as successes.
