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The Historic Test: Australia v England, Perth, Western Australia, 11-16 December 1970

It is remarkable testament to just how long the tyranny of distance haunted the Australian federation, that it was not until after man had walked on the moon that Perth was given the privilege of hosting its first cricket Test Match. In a nation divided in its football codes, there are few greater cultural unifiers than the summer game, and being cut off from the ritual, there is little wonder that Western Australia toyed with the idea of secession for so long. In 1970 this wrong was finally righted, and to mark the occasion, a commemorative book was produced, for which a by then retired Sir Robert Menzies wrote the introduction:

‘In my earlier political years, Western Australia felt itself to be both isolated and neglected. The “Eastern States” seemed a long way off, and to be enjoying all the advantages of Federation while Western Australia endured the disabilities. This was not always true; but it had sufficient foundation to make Western Australians feel that they occupied a somewhat detached position in the Australian community.

There have, of course, been great changes in comparatively recent years.  Vast mineral discoveries, the development of other resources and dramatic improvements in transportation between the States have combined to revolutionise the economic position of the State; and indeed to make most significant changes in the whole Australian economy. In a phrase, Western Australia is now seen as one of the greatest Australian States of the future; a great contributor.

It is inevitable in any Australian community that improvement in the material aspects of life should proceed side by side with improvement in sporting activities and facilities. It is only a few years ago that, on a political tour to the West, my friends were able to jeer at me because Western Australia had defeated Victoria at football. Victoria has admittedly done its best to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic event by importing some brilliant W.A. footballers. But I will say no more about that.

I now come to the real thing that I want to write about. Cricket, I look back on a time when there were three States in the Sheffield Shield competition – Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia. Subsequently, Queensland secured admission and later Western Australia. At first, the West came in on a sort of part-time basis with a truncated programme. Then they became full members. At the same time they were becoming a significant force in Australian Cricket by providing her with some very distinguished players. So remarkable was the growth of the game in the West that, in due course a couple of years ago, Western Australia won the Shield.

Of course, I recognise that vastly improved means of transport have diminished some of the difficulties that were felt to stand in the way of Interstate matches, but the dominating factor has been the quality of Western Australian Cricket and the enthusiasm and team spirit of its players. This progress is now crowned by the allotting of a Test match to Perth during the forthcoming English visit. This must be an exciting event for the Cricket lovers of the West. That it will attract enormous support I do not doubt. That it will lead to further Test Matches in the future I both hope and believe.

For those who, like myself, like to occupy some of those quiet moments that one is able mercifully to enjoy at a Cricket Match, with discussions about the great players of the past and the great cricketing events in our history, this book will be invaluable. The sponsors have shown, on many occasions, their practical interest in the great game and we are all indebted to them.’