In all their rightful, though exaggerated anger directed at us, Australians have cleverly diverted attention from their own abysmal record.
Other than a token representation in the form of Symonds, there has never been a player from another race or religion who has played for Australia. (Stuart, correct me if I am wrong).
There are two other points which need explanation:
1.What has ICC done to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to represent Australia? Have they any basis to believe Australia does not practice discrimination during selection. ( Something, similar on SA lines)
2. Has Symonds done anything to ensure others have a fair chance to represent Australia and are not discriminated? ( Similar, if not as effective as Mohammed Ali)
First, let ICC and by default Australia put its own house in order and then let it denounce racism
5 comments:
If we look at this as a 'black' versus 'white' issue, Jason Gillespie is Aboriginal is another example. But the issue is slightly more complicated.
The issue of racism in Australian cricket is an interesting one. Unlike South Africa, the predominant people in Australia have historically been "white". Australia has a population of approximately 20 million people, but only a few hundred thousand people of aboriginal descent. Therefore, on the basis of simple mathematics, you wouldn't expect many aboriginals to play for Australia. The reverse situation is true in South Africa.
However, we have a pretty shameful past with the "White Australia" policy, and the fact that Aboriginals weren't allowed to vote until the 1960s.
Its a good idea for a post - I will write something up a bit more logically.
Stuart,
Apart from 'white' Vs 'Black' issue, has any immigrant played for Austrlia, quiet a few Asians have made Australia their home.
Coming from a country where relgions are a plenty, I am curious to know whether any player with differing faith has played for Australia? (Australia is predominently Christian am I right?)
PS: I am just curious, not trying to incite emotions.
Hi Ottayan,
The first 'black' player picked for Australia was Sam Morris. He made his debut for Australia on the 1st of January 1885 (over 120 years ago now). Since then there have been other examples of players who represented Australia with various backgrounds such as Dav Whatmore (Sri Lanka), Michael Di Venuto (Italian), Len Pascoe (Yugoslavian), Rex Sellers (India) and others.
As mentioned earlier, Australia has been predominantly 'white christian' (if I can generalise like that). Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the players are from that background. The main religious tension in the past has stemmed from Protestant versus Catholic back, but that died out in the 1930s.
In recent years as Australia has become more multi-cultural, we have seen a lot more players from various heritages such as Richard Chee Quee (Chinese), Joe Scuduri (Italian) and so on. The Australian junior teams currently have a number of representatives with diverse backgrounds such as India and so on.
With respect to developing Aboriginal cricket, Cricket Australia holds an annual carnival called the Imparja Cup, it has aboriginal development squads in each state, they have sponsored former players like Courtney Walsh to tour indigenous communities, Jason Gillespie (as an aboriginal player) has been used as a role model and he spends extensive time promoting the game, and so on.
As I said earlier, I should write this up into an actual post.
Hi Ottayan,
I whacked together something a bit longer on my blog - hope it is of interest.
Racism in Australian Cricket
Best to keep racisism out of cricket. And oh yes, all those who try and keep it alive too...spectators, players, commentators, pressmen, adminstrators and the like.
Post a Comment