On and off the pitch: Cricket and photography
Cricket players and spectators are interesting subjects for photographers, whether they are attempting to capture the players’ movements in action – a fast bowler in flight, a poised batsman – or spectators engrossed in the game.
Think modern cricket teams were the first to add colour to their outfits? Think again!
This studio portrait shows a cricketer, 'Mr. Will Before', with the addition of a fetching blue painted sash around his waist.
Mr Willbefore, holding a cricket bat, with a blue painted sash around his waist. From the album: Guard Family Collection: Cartes de Visite album, circa 1870, New Zealand, photographer unknown. Te Papa (O.038213)
Playing the Australians is always a big occasion for New Zealand cricketers, no matter what century the game takes place in. Here, in 1920, Wellington is taking on the might of the Baggy Greens at the historic Basin Reserve in Wellington.
Wellington batsmen Henry Foley & Ted Badcock return to the pavillion during Wellington versus Australians, 18 February 1928, at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand, photographer unknown. Te Papa (A.011676)
Not everyone wants to watch the match. Is this family happy to spend the day outside? Or are they bored, and waiting patiently for the cricket to finish?
Family with a pram behind the crowd watching a game at the Domain Cricket Ground, Auckland, New Zealand, about 1890, photograph by Edwin Willmott. Purchased 1999 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa (O.030353)
Spectators watch intently from the stands at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, carried along by the highs and lows of the game.
From the stand during Wellington versus Australians, 18 February 1928, at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand, photographer unknown. Te Papa (A.011556)
'He should have had a third slip!' Intense discussions in the stands of the Basin Reserve, Wellington.
Basin Reserve grandstand, Wellington, 1969, Wellington, New Zealand, photograph by John Daley. Gift of John Daley, 2012. Te Papa (O.038909)
Photography captures the precise moment when the bowler lets the ball fly. We marvel at the bowler's action and wonder what happened to the batsman as a result.
Fast bowler in flight at the Sydney Cricket Ground, 1980s, Australia
Photograph by Brian Brake. Gift of Mr Raymond Wai-Man Lau, 2001. Te Papa (CT.047053)
Cricket isn't just a game for the professionals. It's played in schools around the world – from the foothills of the Himalayas …
Cricket match at a boys' boarding school, Darjeeling, India, 1962. From a series on the British in India for the ‘Sunday Times’. Photo by Brian Brake. Gift of Mr Raymond Wai-Man Lau, 2001. Te Papa (CT.036838)
...to New Plymouth, New Zealand.
New Plymouth Technical College Cricket Team; about 1930, New Zealand. Photo by William Oakley. F B Butler/Crown Studios Collection. Gift of Frederick B Butler, 1971. Te Papa (C.003360)
We can't forget weekend cricket – a ritual in post-colonial countries across the world.
Group of boys and men waiting for the cricket to start, about 1930, New Zealand. Photo by John Salmon. Te Papa (LS.004797)
A full house at the Sydney Cricket Ground, 1980. The popularity of cricket continues to grow, and photography continues to give us a glimpse of what it's like to take part – whether spectating or playing.
The Sydney Cricket Ground from above, 1980s, Australia
Photograph by: Brian Brake. Gift of Mr Raymond Wai-Man Lau, 2001. Te Papa (CT.049018)