Premier cricket embraces indigenous history

26 December 2016 marks the 150th anniversary of one of the earliest recorded cricket matches on Boxing Day between the Aboriginal XI and the Melbourne Cricket Club in 1866.

In the 1860’s pastoralists in the Western District encouraged the local Aboriginals to play the game of cricket and in 1866 the MCC arranged for Tom Wills (founder of Australian Rules Football) to travel to Lake Wallace, Edenhope to coach the local Aboriginal team in preparation for the 1866 Boxing Day match. Over 8,000 people attend to watch the match.

The Australian Aboriginal Cricket Team played further matches in Victoria and NSW during 1867 before travelling to England. In May 1868, they became the first Australian cricket team to play in England – the first Australian Test team of cricketers.

Johnny Mullagh was the star all-rounder of the 1868 team. Also known by his traditional name Unaarrimin (he was given the name ‘Mullagh’ to identify him with his place of birth), he played 47 matches on the England tour, scored 1698 runs with spectators considering him the equal of any English batter. He also bowled 1877 overs, 831 of which were maidens and took 245 wickets.

Johnny was a member of the Jardwadjali people, born on Mullagh Station (North of Harrow) and learned to play cricket while working on the adjoining Pine Hills agricultural property. He was given the name ‘Black Johnny’ to distinguish him from a ‘White Johnny’.

In the Premier Cricket Match both Northcote’s own Ben Abbatangelo and Damon Egan from St Kilda Cricket Club are also in the leadership team..

Northcote CC will now serve as Cricket Victoria’s home of indigenous cricket. This partnership will enable Cricket Victoria to further develop and nurture our talented players but also provide a home and space to develop grass roots participation in our MILO programs for young Indigenous children in the region.