Cricket in Australian Culture
Cricket is the most popular sport in Australia, in terms of both community interest and participation. In 2007, a survey by Sweeney Sports found that 59% of the Australian public have an interest in cricket, second to none. Cricket is often known as Australia's national sport due to its equal popularity in all parts of the country. Cricket is also a mass participation sport in Australia; A census conducted on behalf of Cricket Australia found that in the 2003-04 season there were 471,329 participants in Australian cricket programs and competitions, including 47,780 female participants.
The position of Australian Test cricket captain is regarded as one of the most important roles in Australian sport. It is often said that in Australia the office of Test captain is second in stature behind the office of Prime Minister. Reflecting this community perception, three Australian cricket captains have been named as Australian of the Year by the National Australia Day Council; Allan Border in 1989, Mark Taylor in 1999 and Steve Waugh in 2004. In addition, Steve Waugh has been nominated as an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia, as was Don Bradman prior to his death in 2001.
Cricket plays an important role in Australia's national identity, in particular its relationship towards the United Kingdom. Ashes Tests can be seen by many Australians as an opportunity to avenge past perceived wrongs by the former imperial power.
Read more about this topic: Cricket In Australia
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