Australian Cricket – December 1968 (Number Two)
An important early issue of Australian Cricket, published at a time when serious long-form cricket journalism still dominated the landscape. This December 1968 “2nd Big Issue” captures the tone, analysis, and personalities of late-1960s Test cricket — just before the game’s commercial and cultural transformation in the 1970s.
 
The cover alone reads like a roll-call of mid-century greats, referencing Richie Benaud, Alan Davidson, Frank Tyson, Arthur Morris, and Fred Trueman — a combination that firmly anchors this issue in cricket’s classical era.
 
Inside, the magazine delivers a series of substantial feature articles rather than brief match summaries. Highlights include:
“Wally Grout… quick as a flash”, a major profile of Australian wicketkeeper Wally Grout, written by Richie Benaud, examining elite glovework and reflex keeping at the highest level.
“What Makes a Fast Bowler?” by Frank Tyson, offering a rare first-hand analysis of pace bowling — technique, mentality, and intimidation — from one of the fastest bowlers in Test history.
“F. S. Trueman – Yorkshire and England”, a detailed career piece charting Trueman’s county dominance and his impact on England’s bowling legacy.
A reflective column by Arthur Morris, providing historical perspective from one of Australia’s finest post-war batsmen.
 
Of particular note for collectors is the article reflecting on the 1961 West Indies, revisiting the touring side, its influence on world cricket, and the lasting significance of West Indies cricket during that period. This retrospective adds genuine depth and international context, linking the magazine to one of the most admired eras in West Indies cricket team history.
 
Supporting these features are detailed state match reports (Victoria v NSW, Country XI fixtures, South Australia), scorecards, coaching commentary, umpiring perspectives, and news briefs — collectively offering a rich snapshot of cricket culture in 1968, when Test cricket remained the unquestioned centre of the game.
 
A highly attractive issue for collectors of Australian cricket magazines, West Indies cricket history, and pre-World Series Cricket literature.