Australia National Cricket Team (Men) : Team Profile

The world’s smallest continent, Australia has one of the top cricket teams. Australia has been a cricketing giant since the 1800s itself. 

With the presence of legends throughout, Australia has been super successful in their cricket journey. Australian dominance in cricket can be witnessed at any point in the world.

Profile

• Team: Australian Cricket Team
• Also Known As: Aussies
• Current Captain: Patrick Cummins
• Current Head Coach: Andrew McDonald
• Current Assistant Coach: Daniel Vettori
• Current Assistant Coach: Andre Borovec
• Current Batting Coach: Greame Hick
• Current Bowling Coach: Craig McDermott
• Governing Body: Cricket Australia

Players under contract

Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Current Rankings 

Australia are currently ranked 2nd in ICC Test rankings, 1st in ICC ODI rankings and 6th in ICC T20I rankings.

Governing Body

Cricket Australia is the governing body for the game in the nation. It was formed as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket in 1905.

The current board directors are Mike Baird AO, Dr Vanessa Guthrie, Paul Green, Clea Smith, Dr Lachlan Henderson, John Harnden AM, Richard Freudenstein, Sarah Adam-Gedge, Greg Rowell, Dr David Maddocks.

Australian Cricket Team Early Days and First Match

• Cricket was well established in Australia before the 1800s itself.
• Australia’s first newspaper, “Sydney Gazette” then reported that cricket was a well established game even before the first recorded match was played.
• The first recorded match in Australia was played in 1803.
• Club establishments took place by the year 1832, in Tasmania (Van Diemen’s Land).
• A report also suggests that an encounter between teams of laborers and mechanics was organized in 1835.
• The Melbourne Cricket Club came into existence in 1838.
• February 1851 marked the beginning of intercolonial cricket in Australia. The first match was played between Victoria and Tasmania.
• The administration requirements for the colonies were fulfilled soon. Boards were formed at New South Wales in 1857, Victoria in 1864 and South Australia in 1871.
• The English Team toured Australia in the year 1861 and again in 1863.
• In 1882, Australia defeated England on their home soil and the rest as they say is history. This marked the beginning of “The Ashes”.
• Australian first class cricket competition, “Sheffield Shield” began in 1892 by the Australasian Cricket Council.
• Australia received their ICC status in 1909.
• Australian Cricket went through a golden era ranging from 1890 to the beginning of World War I in 1914. 
• Australia’s greatest, Don Bradman played his maiden Test in 1928.
• Australia’s maiden ODI came up against England in 1971.

Australian Cricket Team Stats

	Matches	Won	Lost	Drawn
Test	851	405	228	218 (216 draws and 2 ties)
ODI	975	592	340	43 (9 ties and 34 results)
T20I	174	94	76	7 (3 ties and 4 no results)

Statements Given By Cricketers on Australian Cricket Team

• In Sachin Tendulkar’s autobiography, he mentioned the dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s, recalling them as a “tough team to beat” and a team he enjoyed facing. He praised the Australian approach towards the game as he says they “play to win every time they step onto the field.”
• Aakash Chopra praised the Australian team in one of his YouTube videos. He called the Australian Cricket culture and approach a “benchmark” for the rest of the teams. He feels their excellent teamwork, mental toughness and discipline are the keys to success for them.
• Aakash Chopra in another video praised the Australian team’s aggressive approach, competitive gameplay and pressure handling abilities. He says these points set them apart from other teams.
• In a press conference after the 2018-19 India tour of Australia, Virat Kohli praised Australia’s aggressive and competitive gameplay and their never-say-die attitude. He also spoke about their excellent teamwork and pressure handling abilities. 
• In a column for Sportstar in 2020, Sunil Gavaskar praised the Australian team’s strong cricketing culture and their excellent teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness. He also praised their ability to play aggressive cricket while maintaining a high level of sportsmanship, calling it a “testament to their character.”
• Virat Kohli in an interview with cricket.com.au in 2019, praised Australia’s team and its winning mentality. He also praised Tim Paine’s strong leadership and the side’s ability to bounce back. He said they were a “quality side” who always played hard but fair cricket.

Also read: Virat Kohli Profile – Stats, Age, Career, Records, Net Worth & Family

Australian Cricket Team Achievements 

• Runners-up at 1975 World Cup
• Winners at 1987 World Cup
• Runners-up at 1996 World Cup
• Winners at 1999 World Cup
• Winners at 2003 World Cup
• Winners at 2006 Champions Trophy
• Winners at 2007 World Cup
• Winners at 2009 Champions Trophy 2009
• Winners at 2015 World Cup 
• Winners at 2021 T20 World Cup

Some Unknown Facts about Australian Cricket Team 

• Australia’s first Test captain was Dave Gregory.
• Australia’s first ODI captain was Bill Lawry.
• Australia’s first T20I captain was Ricky Ponting.
• Australia’s first Test century was scored by Charles Bannerman.
• Australia’s first ODI century was scored by Alan Turner.
• Australia’s first T20I century was scored by Aaron Finch.
• Australia is the only team to win the World Cup three times in a row.

Some FAQs about Australian Cricket Team