On our trip through the cricket history of Australia, we’ve seen cricket and Australia change over more than 200 years. Starting in the first tests ever, then progressing through pre-World Wars, and then into the first half of the 20th century, and then the 50s, 60s and 70s, we are now going to look at the last two decades of the 20th century, the 80s and 90s.
We hope you enjoy this post.
Early 1980s: Facing Challenges
At the start of the 1980s, Australian cricket was still benefiting from the presence of legends like Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee, and Rod Marsh. These players had been instrumental in Australia’s successes during the 1970s, and their continued presence provided stability and experience.
Greg Chappell, renowned for his elegant batting and strategic acumen, remained a pillar of strength in the middle order. His ability to play long, match-defining innings made him one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
Dennis Lillee, with his fiery pace and competitive spirit, was a fast-bowling icon whose presence on the field was both intimidating and inspirational.
Rod Marsh, a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, formed a legendary partnership with Lillee, and his contributions behind the stumps and with the bat were invaluable.
Despite the presence of these stalwarts, the early 1980s saw Australia grappling with inconsistency and mixed results in their performances. The Test series during this period highlighted the team’s struggle to maintain dominance.
The West Indies, in particular, were at the peak of their powers, boasting a fearsome fast-bowling attack that dominated world cricket. Australia’s encounters with the West Indies highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy and the development of new talent to complement the existing stars.
_-_At_Victoria_University_Wellington_-_1986_(16311670747).jpg)
Allan Border, 1986 Archives New Zealand from New Zealand, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Amid these challenges, Allan Border emerged as a key player and future leader. Border, who made his Test debut in 1978, quickly established himself as a resilient and dependable batsman. His ability to anchor the innings and score runs under pressure became a hallmark of his career.
Border’s gritty determination and consistent performances were crucial in stabilizing the Australian batting lineup during this transitional period.
Allan Border’s leadership qualities began to shine through, and he was appointed vice-captain, signalling his importance to the team’s future. His leadership was characterized by a no-nonsense approach, emphasizing discipline, hard work, and resilience.
Border led by example, often taking on the responsibility of scoring crucial runs and guiding the team through difficult situations. His influence was instrumental in fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the team.
Mid-1980s: The Dark Years
In 1984, Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh retired, and this combination of retirements sent Australia deep into a few dark years in the test arena.
The mid-1980s were a transformative period for Australian cricket, marked by the building of a new team under the leadership of Allan Border. His captaincy played a pivotal role in reshaping team morale and performance, setting the foundation for future successes.
Allan Border’s captaincy, beginning in 1984, was instrumental in the revival of Australian cricket. But it took a long time and a lot of effort. Border’s first successful test series would be a 1-0 victory against New Zealand in 1987/1988, and from the West Indies tour of 1983/84 to the successful Ashes tour in 1989, Australia would win just 7 tests from 46 tests (18 losses).
Border took over the reins during a challenging time, with the team struggling to find its footing after the retirements of Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh. His leadership style was characterized by resilience, determination, and a relentless work ethic. Border led by example, often anchoring the batting lineup with crucial innings and demonstrating a tenacious approach that inspired his teammates.
His influence on team morale was profound, instilling a sense of belief and unity within the squad.
The rise of young players such as Steve Waugh and David Boon was a crucial development during the mid-1980s. Steve Waugh, who made his Test debut in 1985, quickly established himself as a versatile and dependable all-rounder.
His ability to adapt to different situations, combined with his aggressive batting and effective medium-pace bowling, made him a valuable asset to the team. Waugh’s performances under pressure and his mental toughness became defining features of his career, earning him a reputation as one of the most resilient players in world cricket.
David Boon emerged as a key player during this period. Known for his solid technique and gritty batting, Boon provided stability at the top of the order. His ability to occupy the crease and score runs in challenging conditions was invaluable to the team’s success.
Boon’s partnership with Border often formed the backbone of Australia’s batting lineup, enabling the team to post competitive totals and build strong foundations for victory.
Allan Border’s influence extended beyond individual performances. His emphasis on discipline, hard work, and team spirit created a positive environment that nurtured young talent and fostered a culture of excellence.
Border’s leadership style, characterized by his stoic demeanor and unyielding determination, set the standard for future captains and players. His ability to inspire confidence and resilience within the team was crucial in transforming Australia’s fortunes and laying the groundwork for the successes that followed.
The Stats: Australian Stats between 1980 and 1990
During this decade, Australia played their first tests against Sri Lanka. Overall, Australia played 96 tests, winning 27, losing 31 and drawing 38. Of these, 32 were played against England (11/9/12), 19 were played against West Indies (3/11/5), and 17 were played against Pakistan (4/6/7). Australia also played tests against New Zealand (16: 5/4/7), India (9: 1/1/6 including 1 tie) and Sri Lanka (4: 3/0/1).
Australia’s top 5 batsmen for this time period were:
AR Border : 97 Tests, 7386 runs; average of 55.11, 20 centuries, high score of 205
DC Boon : 45 Tests, 3119 runs; average of 41.58, 8 centuries, high score of 200
KJ Hughes : 50 Tests, 2989 runs; average of 36.01, 6 centuries, high score of 213
GS Chappell : 33 Tests, 2712 runs; average of 55.34, 9 centuries, high score of 235
GM Wood : 44 Tests, 2421 runs; average of 31.44, 7 centuries, high score of 172
Australia’s top 5 bowlers for this time period were:
GF Lawson : 46 Tests, 180 wickets; average of 30.56, 11 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 8/112
DK Lillee : 35 Tests, 171 wickets; average of 24.07, 11 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 7/83
TM Alderman : 33 Tests, 136 wickets; average of 28.01, 11 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 6/128
B Yardley : 19 Tests, 89 wickets; average of 28.64, 6 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 7/98
CJ McDermott : 24 Tests, 80 wickets; average of 34.18, 3 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 8/141
Late 1980s: Revival and Success
The late 1980s marked a period of significant revival and success (eventually) for Australian cricket, highlighted by their historic victory in the 1987 Cricket World Cup and notable successes in the Ashes series of 1989. This era was characterized by key matches and performances that underscored Australia’s resurgence as a dominant force in world cricket.
Australia’s Victory in the 1987 Cricket World Cup
The 1987 Cricket World Cup, held in India and Pakistan, was a landmark event for Australian cricket. Under the astute leadership of Allan Border, Australia entered the tournament with a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talents.
The team’s journey to the World Cup title was filled with memorable performances and thrilling encounters, ultimately culminating in their first-ever World Cup triumph.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. It was a moment of immense pride for Australian cricket, symbolizing the nation’s ability to compete and succeed on the global stage. The triumph also served as a catalyst for the team’s resurgence, instilling a newfound sense of confidence and belief that would drive their future successes.
Key Matches and Performances During the World Cup
The final, held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, saw Australia take on England in a thrilling contest. Batting first, Australia posted a competitive total of 253 for 5, with Boon once again playing a pivotal role, scoring 75 runs. Mike Veletta’s late surge, scoring 45 off just 31 balls, provided the team with crucial runs in the final overs.
In response, England fought valiantly but fell short by seven runs, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance by Australia. Allan Border’s captaincy and Steve Waugh’s all-round contributions were significant factors in Australia’s narrow yet decisive victory.
The Stats: Australian One Day Stats between 1980 and 1990
Overall, during this time period, Australia played 176 games, winning 91, losing 85 with 2 tied and 9 no results. Of these, 45 were played against West Indies (13/31/1/0), 37 were played against New Zealand (23/12/0/2), and 31 were played against India (16/12/0/3). Australia also played matches against England (30: 15/14/1/0), Pakistan (24: 10/12/0/2), Sri Lanka (16: 11/3/0/2) and Zimbabwe (4: 3/1/0/0).
Australia’s top 5 batsmen for this time period were:
AR Border : 183 ODIs, 4697 runs; average of 31.95, a strike rate of 71.5, with 3 centuries and a high score of 127*
DM Jones : 84 ODIs, 3044 runs; average of 45.43, a strike rate of 75.57, with 3 centuries and a high score of 121
GR Marsh : 78 ODIs, 2923 runs; average of 40.04, a strike rate of 56.85, with 7 centuries and a high score of 126*
DC Boon : 81 ODIs, 2636 runs; average of 33.79, a strike rate of 67.53, with 2 centuries and a high score of 122
GM Wood : 77 ODIs, 2099 runs; average of 34.98, a strike rate of 60.21, with 3 centuries and a high score of 114*
Australia’s top 5 bowlers for this time period were:
CJ McDermott : 64 ODIs, 90 wickets; average of 28.72, an economy rate of 4.43, 1 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 5/44
GF Lawson : 79 ODIs, 88 wickets; average of 29.45, an economy rate of 3.65, 0 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 4/26
SR Waugh : 80 ODIs, 84 wickets; average of 30.64, an economy rate of 4.5, 0 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 4/33
DK Lillee : 48 ODIs, 76 wickets; average of 20.03, an economy rate of 3.4, 0 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 4/12
RM Hogg : 63 ODIs, 76 wickets; average of 28.01, an economy rate of 3.91, 0 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 4/29
The Resurgence of Australian Cricket in the Late 1980s
The World Cup victory was a turning point that heralded the resurgence of Australian cricket. The late 1980s saw Australia not only achieve success in the limited-overs format but also begin their first steps in reclaiming their dominance in Test cricket, particularly in the Ashes series against England.
The 1989 Ashes series in England was a defining moment for Australian cricket. Under the leadership of Allan Border, Australia dominated the series, winning 4-0. This comprehensive victory marked the end of a challenging period for Australian cricket and the beginning of a new era of dominance.
Key performances from players like Terry Alderman, who took 41 wickets in the series, and Steve Waugh, who scored prolifically, were instrumental in this success. The series showcased Australia’s ability to perform consistently and decisively in one of cricket’s most prestigious contests.
The resurgence of Australian cricket during this period was also characterized by the development of a strong team culture and innovative strategies. The emergence of young talents like Mark Taylor, who would later become a successful captain, and the continued excellence of established players like David Boon and Steve Waugh, further strengthened the team.
Early 1990s: Establishing Dominance
The early 1990s marked the beginning of an era of dominance and innovation for Australian cricket. This period was characterized by outstanding performances in Test series, notable contributions from emerging star players, and the development of strong domestic competitions that nurtured future stars. These elements combined to establish Australia as a formidable force in world cricket.
The decade began with a comprehensive 3-0 home series victory against England, a tough 2-1 loss in the West Indies against a still great West Indian side, and a strong 4-0 victory against the visiting Indian team, a series that introduced the world to a spiky blonde haired Shane Warne.
Ironically, Warne’s debut was in the one game Australia didn’t win, and by the end of his second test, he had figures of 1/218.
The 1992 Cricket World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, was another significant event for Australian cricket. Australia did not progress beyond the group stage, which was a disappointment, after they won the previous World Cup.
Even so, the tournament still provided a platform for players to showcase their skills on the global stage and laid the groundwork for future success in the ODI format.
Contributions of Star Players
The contributions of star players like Shane Warne, Mark Taylor, and Ian Healy were instrumental in Australia’s successes during the early 1990s. Shane Warne’s rise to prominence was a game-changer for Australian cricket. His magical delivery to dismiss Mike Gatting in the 1993 Ashes series, often referred to as the “Ball of the Century,” announced his arrival on the world stage.
Warne’s leg-spin bowling brought a new dimension to Australia’s attack, making him one of the most influential players of his era.
Mark Taylor, known for his solid technique and astute captaincy, provided stability at the top of the order and inspired confidence within the team.
His ability to lead by example and make strategic decisions under pressure was crucial in guiding Australia through challenging series.
Ian Healy, with his exceptional wicketkeeping skills and valuable contributions with the bat, added depth to the team. His quick reflexes and sharp glovework behind the stumps made him one of the best wicketkeepers in the world.
Development of Strong Domestic Competitions and the Rise of Future Stars
One of the main reasons for Australia’s beginning dominance in test cricket – and for their continued dominance for more than a decade – was a strong domestic competition, the Sheffield Shield and the introduction of the limited-overs domestic tournament, which played a pivotal role in nurturing future stars.
These competitions provided a robust platform for young talents to hone their skills and gain valuable experience. The emphasis on competitive domestic cricket ensured a steady pipeline of players ready to step up to the international level.
Players like Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, and Adam Gilchrist began to emerge from these domestic circuits, signalling a bright future for Australian cricket.
Ricky Ponting, with his aggressive batting style and exceptional fielding, quickly established himself as a key player.
Glenn McGrath, known for his accuracy and ability to extract bounce and movement, became one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world.
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Adam Gilchrist, 2010 Luton Anderson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Adam Gilchrist, an explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, revolutionized the role with his aggressive approach and match-winning performances.
Mid-1990s: Continued Success and Challenges
The mid-1990s were a period of sustained success and emerging challenges for Australian cricket. This era saw Australia achieve significant victories in key Test series, reach the One Day World Cup final in 1996 (only to lose against Sri Lanka), and experience impactful leadership under Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh.
Australia’s dominance in Test cricket continued through the mid-1990s, highlighted by several key series victories. One of the most notable was the 1995 series against the West Indies. This series was significant as it marked the end of the West Indies’ 15-year reign as the top Test team in the world.
Under Mark Taylor’s captaincy, Australia won the series 2-1 in the Caribbean, showcasing their ability to compete and triumph in challenging conditions.
Glenn McGrath, 2007 No machine-readable author provided. Roo72 assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Glenn McGrath’s outstanding bowling performance was pivotal after Craig McDermott lef the tour early through injury. His aggressive bowling to the strong West Indian batting line up gave the Australian team confidence, and his willingness to bounce the West Indian bowlers when they came to the batting crease, showed he had no fear.
But it was in the final test of the series, joined together 1-1, that immortalised the Australian team and one of its best batters. Steve Waugh, together with brother Mark Waugh, put on 231 runs together, with Steve Waugh eventually dismissed for an even 200 after more than 9 hours of stoic batting.
Australia’s score of 531 was enough to win them the game by an innings, and Australia went to the number 1 test ranking spot.
Notable Performances by Players Like Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting
Glenn McGrath emerged as one of the most formidable fast bowlers of his generation during the mid-to-late-1990s. His exceptional accuracy, ability to extract bounce and movement, and relentless pressure on batsmen made him a key asset for Australia. McGrath’s performances in both Test and ODI cricket were consistently outstanding, contributing significantly to Australia’s successes. His ability to deliver match-winning spells in crucial moments earned him widespread acclaim and respect.
Ricky Ponting, who made his Test debut in 1995, quickly established himself as a talented and aggressive batsman. Ponting’s ability to dominate bowling attacks and score runs in all conditions made him a vital component of the Australian batting lineup. Ponting’s aggressive approach and exceptional fielding skills added a new dimension to the team.
Late 1990s: Consolidation and Triumph
The late 1990s were a period of triumph for Australian cricket, characterized by their dominance on the world stage and a historic victory in the 1999 Cricket World Cup. At home, Australia were extremely difficult to beat. In the entire decade, they lost only the one series, against the West Indies in 1990/91, and that one came down to a 1 run victory to the West Indies in Adelaide.
Australia’s dominance in the late 1990s was a result of consistent performances across both formats of the game. Under the leadership of Steve Waugh, who took over the captaincy from Mark Taylor in 1999, Australia developed into a formidable unit that was hard to beat, although they still struggled to win a series in India.
The Stats: Australian Stats between 1990 and 2000
During this decade, Australia played its first test against Zimbabwe. Overall, Australia played 108 tests, winning 54, losing 25 and drawing 29. Of these, 27 were played against England (16/5/6), 23 were played against West Indies (9/9/5), and 15 were played against Pakistan (7/2/6). Australia also played tests against South Africa (12: 5/3/4), India (11: 7/3/1), New Zealand (10: 5/2/3), Sri Lanka (9: 4/1/4) and Zimbabwe (1: 1/0/0).
Australia’s top 5 batsmen for this time period were:
ME Waugh : 99 Tests, 6371 runs; average of 41.64, centuries, high score of 153*
MA Taylor : 93 Tests, 6306 runs; average of 40.94, centuries, high score of 334*
SR Waugh : 89 Tests, 6213 runs; average of 53.1, centuries, high score of 200
MJ Slater : 58 Tests, 4425 runs; average of 45.15, centuries, high score of 219
DC Boon : 62 Tests, 4303 runs; average of 45.29, centuries, high score of 164*
Australia’s top 5 bowlers for this time period were:
SK Warne : 80 Tests, 351 wickets; average of 25.66, 16 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 8/71
GD McGrath : 58 Tests, 266 wickets; average of 22.87, 15 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 8/38
CJ McDermott : 47 Tests, 211 wickets; average of 26.52, 11 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 8/97
MG Hughes : 33 Tests, 140 wickets; average of 26.32, 3 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 5/64
PR Reiffel : 35 Tests, 104 wickets; average of 26.96, 5 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 6/71
The 1999 Cricket World Cup Win
The 1999 Cricket World Cup, held in England, was a defining moment for Australian cricket. After a sketchy start where they won only one game from their first three, they stormed into the World Cup final on the back of two miracle performances against South Africa.
Chasing 272 for victory, Australia was in a precarious position, but Steve Waugh’s unbeaten century (120*) guided the team to a memorable win. This was the innings that delivered the famous line attributed to Steve Waugh – ‘You’ve just dropped the World Cup’ – when Herschelle Gibbs, in preparing to celebrate a catch by throwing the ball in the air, dropped it.
Steve Waugh, 2002 John P Darcy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Except … Steve Waugh never actually said that line, but sometimes the truth just gets in the way of a great story.
The second game was the Semi Final, which ended in a dramatic and thrilling tie, allowing Australia to advance to the final based on a superior net run rate, thanks to the heroics of Shane Warne and the crucial run-out orchestrated by Allan Donald’s miscommunication with Lance Klusener. Warne’s spell of 4 for 29 was instrumental in restricting South Africa and ensuring Australia’s place in the final.
In the final against Pakistan, Australia delivered a commanding performance to secure the title. Batting first, Pakistan was bowled out for a meagre 132, with Warne again playing a pivotal role, taking 4 for 33. Australia chased down the target comfortably, with Adam Gilchrist’s aggressive 54 off 36 balls setting the tone for the victory. The comprehensive eight-wicket win in the final highlighted Australia’s dominance and strategic brilliance throughout the tournament.
The Stats: Australian One Day Stats between 1990 and 2000
Overall, during this time period, Australia played 221 games, winning 140, losing 81 with 3 tied and 1 no results. Of these, 39 were played against South Africa (19/19/1/0), 39 were played against West Indies (20/17/1/1), and 35 were played against New Zealand (26/9/0/0). Australia also played matches against India (26: 16/10/0/0), Sri Lanka (26: 16/10/0/0), Pakistan (25: 15/9/1/0), England (20: 13/7/0/0), Zimbabwe (11: 11/0/0/0), Bangladesh (2: 2/0/0/0), Kenya (1: 1/0/0/0) and Scotland (1: 1/0/0/0).
Australia’s top 5 batsmen for this time period were:
ME Waugh : 191 ODIs, 6839 runs; average of 39.76, a strike rate of 77.22, with 13 centuries and a high score of 130
SR Waugh : 196 ODIs, 4521 runs; average of 30.54, a strike rate of 74.24, with 2 centuries and a high score of 120*
MG Bevan : 122 ODIs, 3922 runs; average of 60.33, a strike rate of 76.63, with 3 centuries and a high score of 108*
MA Taylor : 111 ODIs, 3466 runs; average of 32.39, a strike rate of 59.42, with 1 century and a high score of 105
DC Boon : 100 ODIs, 3328 runs; average of 40.09, a strike rate of 63.34, with 3 centuries and a high score of 102*
Australia’s top 5 bowlers for this time period were:
SK Warne : 133 ODIs, 212 wickets; average of 24.27, an economy rate of 4.18, 1 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 5/33
GD McGrath : 101 ODIs, 147 wickets; average of 24.79, an economy rate of 4.01, 3 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 5/14
CJ McDermott : 74 ODIs, 113 wickets; average of 21.53, an economy rate of 3.68, 0 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 4/34
SR Waugh : 196 ODIs, 107 wickets; average of 37.67, an economy rate of 4.57, 0 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 4/40
PR Reiffel : 92 ODIs, 106 wickets; average of 29.2, an economy rate of 3.92, 0 x 5 wicket/innings, best bowling of 4/13
The Development of a Strong Team Culture and Innovative Strategies
The development of a strong team culture was pivotal to Australia’s success during the late 1990s. Steve Waugh’s leadership emphasized mental toughness, unity, and a never-say-die attitude. He fostered a culture of confidence and resilience, encouraging players to back their abilities and perform under pressure. Waugh’s approach created a cohesive and motivated team that was capable of achieving great success.
Innovative strategies also played a crucial role in Australia’s dominance. The team’s aggressive field placements, dynamic batting approaches, and strategic use of bowlers set new benchmarks in international cricket. The introduction of fitness regimes and emphasis on athleticism improved the team’s overall performance. Australia’s ability to adapt to different conditions and opponents demonstrated their tactical acumen and versatility.
The late 1990s were also marked by the emergence of new talents who would become instrumental in Australia’s future successes. Players like Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist made their debuts, and began careers that would take them to greatness and improve a team that was already on the cusp of becoming one of the best teams to ever play the game.
Conclusion
The 1980s and 1990s was a true rags to riches story for Australian cricket. In the mid-1980s Australian cricket was far down in the dumps. Through the concerted effort of players, none more so than Allan Border, Australian began to rise through the ranks. Border never quite saw Australia hit the heights of the number 1 test team in the world, having retired in 1994, but in 1995 and for the rest of the decade, the Australian team was number 1 in both tests and one days.
In the next and final post in this series, related to the History of Cricket in Australia between 2000 and now, we see how long Australia can remain at the top, we see some kinks in the armour as the Australian team becomes human, we see how the mighty team falls and resorts to desperate (and illegal) measures, and how they begin to claw their way back up to the top.