From: Hiswimr-AT-aol.com
Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2002 11:33:38 EST
Subject: Re: cricket



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Greg, et al.

The first Australian team to tour England in 1868 was an indigenous team. 
However, I don't know why they did not continue this level of interest or 
participation. Anyone interested could read among others James Bradley, 
Richard Cashman, and W.F. Mandle who make passing reference to the indigenous 
players.

As to the so-called quota system in S.Africa (or the lack of it in Sri 
Lanka), I suppose the objective is to level a playing field skewed by the 
specter of apartheid, which is the obvious difference between countries like 
NZ and England that have fielded multiethnic teams. But I'm not sure whether 
the lack of quotas in rugby (I'm guessing there aren't) means that they are 
not necessary in cricket as well.

Salil's point about the lack of non-white players (I can't think of any) in 
Australian teams is interesting although in its early history (between 1875 
and 1935) I vaguely recall that they used indigenous players, perhaps one or 
two.

By the way has there been anything of interest on Muralitharan's ethnicity? I 
am very familiar with the chucking controversy but don't recall reading 
anything insightful about his Tamil identity.

Best, 
Nalin



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