Why are there so few sons who follow their fathers into Test cricket in Australia compared to England?

Question

On twelve occasions, both a father and son have played Test cricket for England. (not at the same time, I hasten to add!). This has only happened once in Australia.

You can see the full list of related Test players here:

http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283744.html

Why is this? As England has a much larger population than Australia, you would expect the reverse to be the case, and England has a larger population to pick from.

The balance may be about to start being redressed however, with the news that Craig McDermott's son has signed a contract for Queensland:

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/347527.html

Is a second 'Billy the Kid' about to hit the scene? And could this be the start of several sons of Australian cricketers following their fathers into the Test arena?

Answer 1

I think thats a bit of exaggeration & a bit of generalisation.

Cricket infact is spreading all over the Globe.

The present generation is much into Cricket if not more as their forefathers, its just some ppl can't take up the game professionally because of other committments, doesnt mean they aren't intrested in game, lol.

Answer 2

Not when they see what Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka are earning.

English cricket is a family affair Austrailian cricket is a sport.

Beefy's son didn't accidently become a rugby league player, he was good enough at both.

Answer 3

The Aussies want to give the rest of us a chance to win. imagine if all the sons were as good as if not better than their dads how much harder it will be to beat them.

Answer 4

"As England has a much larger population than Australia, you would expect the reverse to be the case, and England has a larger population to pick from"

This is a very common misconception among people from beyond our shores.

I'm from Newcastle Upon Tyne and not once did I ever even pick up a cricket bat until I chose to have a go at it as an adult.

You may think we have a large population to 'choose' from but in reality cricket is only taught in fee-paying schools and a select few state schools. So I would guess that our cricket population is actually a lot smaller than Australia's.

Maybe that helps explain it...

Answer 5

well the only thing i can think of off-hand is that i have noticed alot of recent test players have had daughters, not sons. maybe the trend goes back longer than i thought, take justin langer for example, his 4 kids are all girls

Answer 6

probably because cricket is one of the biggest sports in england along with football and rugby. whilst in oz you have these and more to compete with cricket. it is also only really played by the middle classes and going in to the family business is a big draw.

Answer 7

too much competition from rugby league, aussie rules, football(soccer), and general rugby

most people in australia tend to like to play cricket recreational only (backyard cricket)

Answer 8

I have no idea why, possibly the selectors wanting to relive memoirs of Cowdrey and Hutton on the scoreboard, but Shaun Marsh is another Aussie who could follow in the footsteps of his father.