A Brief History of Cricket Down Under (2023)

Name: A Brief History of Cricket Down Under
Rating: 9.2

Rating: 9.2

A Brief History of Cricket Down Under Poster

Synopsis

A three-part journey through Australian cricket’s rise from the challenges of the 1980s to the dominance of the 2000s, exploring legendary players, fierce rivalries, unforgettable matches and the defining moments that shaped a cricketing powerhouse.

First Air Date: 2023-12-07

Last Air Date: 2026-02-22

Number of Seasons: 3

Number of Episodes: 33

Created By: Niki Hamilton

Networks: Prime Video, Foxtel

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Cam Ralph as Narrator
Steve Waugh as Self
Matthew Hayden as Self
Glenn McGrath as Self
Wasim Akram as Self
Shane Warne as Self
Brett Lee as Self
Paul Collingwood as Self
Jason Gillespie as Self
Jeff Lawson as Self

Seasons

The 1980s — The 80s (2023)

The 1990s — Changing of the Guard (2024)

The 2000s — Navigating Success (2025)

The 1980s — The 80s (2023)

The series looks at Australian cricket during the 1980s, a period of change and rebuilding. It covers the rise of important players, major matches, rivalries and the events that helped shape Australia's future in international cricket.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Fortress Australia (2023-12-07)

The intimidating Australian home environment of the 1980s; Australia's fast-bowling attack, hostile crowds and difficult wickets.
Ep. 2: Thrillers (2023-12-14)

Dramatic, close finishes from 1980s international cricket, including matches that went down to the final moments.
Ep. 3: Out of Left Field (2023-12-21)

Unusual and unexpected incidents from 1980s cricket — moments that seemed almost unbelievable after more than a century of international cricket.
Ep. 4: The Pace Race (2023-12-28)

The explosion of fast bowling: Australia's older pace stars and the legendary West Indies four-man pace attack.
Ep. 5: One Of a Kind (2024-01-04)

Exceptional personalities and players who became cricket icons through more than simply statistics.
Ep. 6: One Day Revolution (2024-01-11)

The transformation of limited-overs cricket and the development of ODI cricket as a major form of the game.
Ep. 7: Master Blaster (2024-01-18)

The great run-scorers of the decade and the batsmen who dominated attacks.
Ep. 8: Gaining The Edge (2024-01-25)

Reverse swing, slow bowling, bat technology and team culture — innovations that gave teams an advantage.
Ep. 9: Rivals (2024-02-01)

The increasingly competitive and professional nature of international cricket in the 1980s.
Ep. 10: The Leadership Factor (2024-02-08)

The captains and leadership styles that shaped teams during the decade.
Ep. 11: The Underarm Ball (2024-02-15)

Australia vs New Zealand, MCG, 1 February 1981 — Trevor Chappell's infamous underarm delivery to Brian McKechnie.