Photographic reportage and the colonial imaginary

Abstract

This article critiques the first Australian cricket tour of India in 1935/36 through a synthesis of history, theory and imagery, and argues that the photographic content provides invaluable and historically overlooked insight into the cricketers’ perspective. Employing this methodology is unorthodox in sports writing and is innovative in application. The photographs provide a rare and previously unobtainable glimpse into the everyday cultural life and practice of the tour, and deliver a subjective representation of the cricketers’ experience. The significance of the images is twofold: they function as proof to verify the Australians presence in India and they assist a cultural critique of the tour. The images reveal that the cricketers’ response to the colonial paradigm was multifaceted and hallmarked by ambiguity. Despite at times adhering to their anticipated civiliving and educating role as white touring cricketers, the Australian team also challenged colonial protocols and simultaneously demonstrated support for the nationalistic sentiments brewing in 1930s India.

Notes

1. The camera case was inscribed: ‘To Ron Morrisby from members and supporters of Bellerive C.C. 28.9.35’.

2. Likewise, written manuscripts reinforce pride in being involved. Tellingly, Bill titles the chapter in his memoir on the tour: India, The Greatest Tour of all (1936–1988).

3. A machan is a platform erected in a tree, used originally for hunting large animals yet is now used for watching animals in wildlife reserves.

4. Australian born, Frank Warne (1906–1994) played first class cricket in four continents. Travelling as a professional he spent two cricket seasons in India while he coached a local side (Bill January 15, 1936). Due to the illness and injury to the Australian team, he played for them in the match against Southern Punjab (January 5–7, 1936).

5. The gentleman on the far right of the image is unidentified. However, he is located in a few images and most likely travelled at times with the team. I am unsure if he was a visiting Australian or belonged to the British Raj.