History of Australian cricket from 1945–46 to 1960 facts for kids
This article explores the exciting history of Australian cricket from the 1945–46 season up to 1960. It was a time when cricket was very popular. Many famous Australian players shone during these years. These included legends like Don Bradman, Arthur Morris, Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, Neil Harvey, Alan Davidson, and Richie Benaud. They helped shape Australian cricket history.
Cricket at Home: The Sheffield Shield
Domestic cricket means games played within Australia. The main competition was the Sheffield Shield. This tournament decided the best state team. In 1947–48, Western Australia surprised everyone. They won the Sheffield Shield in their very first season! However, for most of this period, another team dominated. The New South Wales team was incredibly strong. They won the Shield many times until the mid-1960s.
Who Won the Shield?
Here is a list of the Sheffield Shield winners during this period:
- 1945–46 – Not played
- 1946–47 – Victoria
- 1947–48 – Western Australia
- 1948–49 – New South Wales
- 1949–50 – New South Wales
- 1950–51 – Victoria
- 1951–52 – New South Wales
- 1952–53 – South Australia
- 1953–54 – New South Wales
- 1954–55 – New South Wales
- 1955–56 – New South Wales
- 1956–57 – New South Wales
- 1957–58 – New South Wales
- 1958–59 – New South Wales
- 1959–60 – New South Wales
International Cricket: Teams Visiting Australia
During these years, many international teams visited Australia. They played exciting Test matches and other games. These tours were a big deal for cricket fans.
England's Visit in 1946–47
This was an important series against England.
India's Tour in 1947–48
The Indian cricket team came to Australia for a series of matches.
England Returns in 1950–51
England toured Australia again. These matches were always highly anticipated.
West Indies Tour in 1951–52
The West Indies team visited Australia. They brought their exciting style of play.
South Africa's Visit in 1952–53
South Africa played against Australia in this series.
New Zealand's Tour in 1953–54
The New Zealand national team toured Australia in March 1954. They played three important first-class matches. One of these was their first-ever game against Western Australia. This match took place at the famous WACA Ground in Perth.
New Zealand had a very successful tour. They beat Western Australia by 184 runs. Then, they defeated South Australia by 8 wickets. They also managed a draw against Victoria. This made it their most successful tour of Australia up to that time. Bert Sutcliffe was a star player for New Zealand. He scored a century (100 runs or more) in each of the three games. John Reid also played well. He scored 160 and 64 runs. His efforts helped Sutcliffe save the game against Victoria.
England's Tour in 1954–55
England visited Australia once more for a cricket series.
England's Final Tour in 1958–59
This was another significant tour by the English team.
