A Brief History of Cricket Down Under

• The 1980s — The 80s
• The 1990s — Changing of the Guard
• The 2000s — Navigating Success

The series looks at Australian cricket during the 1980s, a period of change and rebuilding. It covers the rise of important players, major matches, rivalries and the events that helped shape Australia's future in international cricket.

Documentary

1Thu, Dec 07, 2023

Fortress Australia

The intimidating Australian home environment of the 1980s; Australia's fast-bowling attack, hostile crowds and difficult wickets.

2Thu, Dec 14, 2023

Thrillers

Dramatic, close finishes from 1980s international cricket, including matches that went down to the final moments.

3Thu, Dec 21, 2023

Out of Left Field

Unusual and unexpected incidents from 1980s cricket — moments that seemed almost unbelievable after more than a century of international cricket.

4Thu, Dec 28, 2023

The Pace Race

The explosion of fast bowling: Australia's older pace stars and the legendary West Indies four-man pace attack.

5Thu, Jan 04, 2024

One Of a Kind

Exceptional personalities and players who became cricket icons through more than simply statistics.

6Thu, Jan 11, 2024

One Day Revolution

The transformation of limited-overs cricket and the development of ODI cricket as a major form of the game.

7Thu, Jan 18, 2024

Master Blaster

The great run-scorers of the decade and the batsmen who dominated attacks.

8Thu, Jan 25, 2024

Gaining The Edge

Reverse swing, slow bowling, bat technology and team culture — innovations that gave teams an advantage.

9Thu, Feb 01, 2024

Rivals

The increasingly competitive and professional nature of international cricket in the 1980s.

10Thu, Feb 08, 2024

The Leadership Factor

The captains and leadership styles that shaped teams during the decade.

11Thu, Feb 15, 2024

The Underarm Ball

Australia vs New Zealand, MCG, 1 February 1981 — Trevor Chappell's infamous underarm delivery to Brian McKechnie.