A Brief History of Cricket Down Under - The 2000s — Navigating Success
This era covers Australia's rise to the peak of international cricket. It follows the team's dominance, legendary players, major rivalries with teams such as India and England, and the challenges that came with maintaining success while a new generation began to emerge.
Episodes
Episode 1
Success
Australia dominates world cricket; India emerges as a major challenger and the new T20 format begins changing cricket.
Episode 2
Leadership Factor
Australia's leadership succession; India takes a different approach and a new Indian leader begins transforming the team.
Episode 3
The Epic Performances
Shane Warne reaches 700 Test wickets, Glenn McGrath joins an elite group, and major innings from Steve Waugh and Michael Vaughan.
Episode 4
Thrillers
England puts Australia under pressure; India vs Pakistan produces a major high-stakes match; an underdog makes a bid for victory in Hobart.
Episode 5
Young Guns
Brett Lee's debut, Brett Lee vs Shoaib Akhtar, and Elyse Perry beginning her international career.
Episode 6
The Rivalries
Australia's Ashes struggles and subsequent battles; Brian Lara vs Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee vs Sachin Tendulkar.
Episode 7
Personal Best
Matthew Hayden's extraordinary batting, Darren Gough's milestone and Sachin Tendulkar's comeback.
Episode 8
Controversies
The controversial Australia–India Test, allegations of player vilification, and Shane Warne's problems with cricket administrators.
Episode 9
Game Changers
Adam Gilchrist's revolutionary ODI batting/keeping, Sanath Jayasuriya's pinch-hitting and Jacques Kallis' all-round ability.
Episode 10
Dynamic Duos
Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie rescuing Australia with the bat; Matthew Hayden–Justin Langer opening partnership; Rahul Dravid–VVS Laxman.
Episode 11
End of an Era
Wasim Akram's final appearances, an Indian bowling great's Australian campaign, and the emotional retirements of three Australian legends.