The 1935 Australian Cricket Tour of India: Breaking Down Social and Racial Barriers

The first Australian cricket tour to India in 1935/36 is explored in Megan Ponsford's book, uncovering the complex relationships between Australia, British India, and Indian nationalism during the interwar period. Using archival material and a unique methodology, the book sheds light on the forgotten and overlooked sportspeople who participated in the tour and provides a valuable contribution to the study of cricket and history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The first Australian cricket tour to India holds a captivating allure that, for inexplicable reasons, has faded into obscurity. Megan Ponsford rectifies this through her in-depth exploration of the complex dynamics between Australia, British India, and Indian nationalism during the interwar period, utilizing the 1935/36 tour as a focal point. The unique partnership formed between the entrepreneurial tour manager Frank Tarrant and the Maharaja of Patiala, who provided financial support for the expedition, paved the way.

From the opulent palaces of the Raj to the majestic foothills of the Himalayas, the evolving racial consciousness of the diverse Australian cricket team shapes the tour. Moreover, the tour challenged the traditional boundaries of the amateur game, as the Maharajas' deep pockets encouraged participation.

This book employs a distinctive methodology to interpret the material culture housed in the archives of Australian and Indian cricketers. In the absence of firsthand accounts, these artifacts provide invaluable insights into the forgotten and overlooked sportspeople who finally receive the recognition and voice they deserve. This book makes a groundbreaking contribution to the study of cricket and history, serving as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of History, Politics, Sports, Sociology, and Cultural Studies.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Sport in Society.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 177 x 253 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032204086