Egan has pulled together a series of film and TV footage dating back from the early 1900s to 1961 to showcase the talent that has graced the cricket fields for Australia. It is presented as a 4-part series with different eras making up each episode. Much of the footage comes from the Australian Broadcasting Commission archives, hence the title.

The first episode looks at the 1905 to 1930 period, starting with Bill Woodfull introducing the 1930 team and then delving back into the first footage of the 1905 team, including Victor Trumper, then progressing through the 1910, 1921 and, 1924/5 teams. It finishes with the extraordinary statistic that 236,000 people saw the Test played in Melbourne in 1928. Don Bradman is used to give an insight on to many of the players and events from that era.

The series progresses through the 1930s when Bradman was at his peak; the 1940s when the Second World War interrupted Test cricket for many years and focussing on the final 1948 team?s undefeated visit to England; and finishes by moving through the 1950s and climaxing with the memorable 1960/61 series between Australia and the West Indies.

I had seen much of the latter day footage but it was still a collection that should grace the home of any true cricket tragic (are you listening Prime Minister?). Many of the Australian?s names are well known but some of the opposition are a bit of a revelation. The host has picked out a variety of footage and matches to interest even the most knowledgeable fan. While it is pretty old (and how else could it be given the eras that we touch on?) it is a useful addition to any cricket library.

THE EXTRAS

Much of the commentary is from old film and early TV so there?s nothing to get excited about here.

CONCLUSION

This is a special opportunity to see some real cricket legends in footage that dates back from the early part of the last century. Most of the famous names, such as Bradman, Trumper and Woodfull to name a few, are there and there are lots more. This should be a must-buy for your cricket video library.