The 1932-1933 Australia versus England tests held in Australia caused much controversy when England players used aggressive bowling tactics that became known as 'bodyline'. Meanwhile women's cricket was growing and plans were being made for the first women's cricket tours of England and Australia with test matches to be held in both countries. The England women's team visited Australia in 1934-1935 while the Australian team visited England in 1937.
In 1989 the author and another researcher set out to interview the Australian players who had been involved in those tours to record their stories for the National Museum. Some of the women interviewed had kept collections of momentos relating to their cricketing adventures. The author also researched newspapers and magazines which regularly reported on the effects of bodyline on cricket and also on the rise of women's cricket in the 1930s. As well as serious reporting a number of satirical articles were written particularly regarding the attitudes of some men to women playing cricket.
Marion Stell provides information not just about the matches played by the women but the challenges faced during the Depression of being able to tour. She also records the changes in cricket uniform for lady cricketers at the time and the reactions of some of the public to the changes. Travelling overseas by ship was also a great adventure for most of the players. The women enjoyed visiting different parts of England and also visited The Netherlands to promote the game. The Australian team also had tickets to watch the procession of horses and carriages passing by for the the King's coronation in 1937, a special event remembered by many of the players.
The Bodyline Fix should interest most readers interested in the history of cricket. The book also provides an insight into some of the social history in the 1930s.
Notes, bibliography, index plus some photos are included in the book
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