I’ve always loved Australia Day and I don’t believe the date should be changed.

But I can see the problem Cricket Australia is having, and the players as well.

When I was on the Cricket Australia board, our mission statement was “Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians”. But it’s hard to be a sport for all Australians, all the time.

It’s a brilliant statement to want everyone to love cricket, but when you talk about something like Australia Day, you’re going to get different views.

My view, as a former captain of Australia and a former Australian of the Year, is I’m very proud of Australia Day and always saw it as a great day for cricket; as a spectator, as a player, and now as a commentator. I agree with the National Australia Day Council’s mission statement that Australia Day is a time to “reflect, respect and celebrate”.

I’ve always seen it as a special day, and I’ve never seen it as anything other than inclusive. But now we talk a lot about Australia Day not being inclusive, and I find that disappointing.

Mark Taylor celebrates with the Australian team after they retained the Frank Worrell Trophy in 1998. The match was played on Australia Day.Credit: David Gray

The other discussion in cricket this week has been around Glenn Maxwell.

Maxwell is the latest example of a public figure whose travails have been amplified by the instant nature of modern media and social media.

QOSHE - I love cricket on Australia Day, sadly that’s not seen as inclusive - Mark Taylor
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I love cricket on Australia Day, sadly that’s not seen as inclusive

35 19
25.01.2024

I’ve always loved Australia Day and I don’t believe the date should be changed.

But I can see the problem Cricket Australia is having, and the players as well.

When I was on the Cricket Australia board, our mission statement was “Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians”. But it’s hard to be a sport for all Australians, all the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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