The "Kangaroos" - as they are widely known are the proud producers of the world’s best ever batsman Sir Donald Bradman. His record batting average of 99.94 will never be broken.

Melbourne Cricket Ground-Australia • First Test played in 1877 • Identical win in 1977 • First ever ODI played in 1971

Australia also holds the world record as three time World Cup winners. The West Indies is the only contender to beat that record in the near future.

Cricket has come a long way in Australia since the country's first settlers hit a few balls around upon their arrival back in 1788.

The Aussies first played against England in 1877 in Melbourne at the MCG under Dave Gregory’s captaincy. They have continued their dominance ever since.

Obviously it was going to be successful against me, it was going to be against others as well Don Bradman on Bodyline bowling

Sir Bradman was involved in one of the most infamous episodes of Australian cricket history, the 1932-33 'Bodyline' series, which almost resulted in Australia's resignation from the British Empire.

The game was split in two when Aussie businessman Kerry Packer started the breakaway World Series Cricket in 1977.

It was the culmination of years of disquiet among Australian cricketers, who felt the game's administrators were ripping them off.

New Zealand

Two years after the first settlers arrived in New Zealand in 1840, cricket was being played in Auckland and Wellington. New Zealanders had to wait until 1970 for their first Test victory. However today the Kiwis are one of the strongest teams in modern day cricket.

New Zealand • Granted Test status in 1930 • First Test victory in 1970 • Richard Hadlee became the leading Test match wicket-taker in 1988

Hadlee was knighted two years later for his services to the game of cricket.

Ian Chappell presents the second part of the "Story of Cricket".

Story of Cricket- Australia & New Zealand
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