Of all Australia’s famous teams, this was arguably the first international touring side and one of the more unusual. In 1868 battling poor health and lack of organisation, a party of aboriginals under Charles Lawrence arrived in England for a series of matches.
The team consisted of 13 Aboriginal men from the Western District of Victoria. The Jardwadjali, Gunditjmara and Wotjobaluk men were coached and captained by an ex all-England cricketer, Charles Lawrence. The team played 47 matches against intermediate-level English amateur teams between May and October 1868, commendably winning 14 and drawing 19.
The tour made headlines in England and Australia and continues to be a significant moment in Australia’s cricketing history, racial relations, and national identity.
In 2018 Australia Post released a stamp issue to commemorate the sporting achievements and 150th anniversary of the 1868 Aboriginal XI – the first cricket team from Australia to tour internationally.
Competition
Aboriginal Tour of England
Captain
Charles Lawrence
Team Members:
- Dick-a-Dick Jungunjinanuke
- Peter Arrahmunijarrimun
- Johnny Mullagh Unaarrimin
- Johnny Cuzens Zellanach
- Sundown Ballringarrimin
- King Cole Brippokei
- Tiger Bonmbarngeet
- Red Cap Brimbunyah
- Bullocky Bullchanach
- Mosquito Grougarrong
- Jim Crow Jallachmurrimin
- Twopenny Murrumgunarriman
- Charles Dumas Pripumarraman
