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1876, when in Australia a picked Australian eleven for the first time defeated an English team on level terms, the interest of all who follow the game has been fastened on Australia and its cricket methods. The Americans play, and fairly well; the South Africans the same, though they are for the most part English-born, who have learnt their cricket in England; there is cricket in the West Indies, India, and New Zealand; but it is impossible in this chapter to devote any space to these beyond expressing a most hearty welcome to the various elevens who visit our shores. Australian cricket, however, has been so interesting, and has had such an important bearing on the whole game, that it is well to examine into its history and development.