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A History of Australian Cricket was first published in 1939, when Australia was just beginning to dominate world cricket for a fourth time. Since then they have proved themselves masters of both the one-day and five-day versions of the game. This book examines the beginnings of the Australian game in the early nineteenth century and demonstrates the influence of English touring teams of the 1860s and 1870s and the coaches they left behind them. They enabled Australia to challenge England on equal terms by 1876-77. Throughout this book, cricket events are richly counter-pointed by background arrangements (and feuds) between the Board and State Associations and the remarkable career of Sir Donald Bradman is chronicled in detail - he was not only the greatest batsman ever but also a superb administrator. Taking in the Bodyline Tour and all others inbetween, this book provides unique insight into Australian cricket history right up to the modern day and amply demonstrates how the Australian Cricket Academy, which opened its doors in 1981, laid the foundations for Australia's current pre-eminence. this is the story of their journey to the top.