Bluey: Cricket by Bluey

A backyard game of cricket becomes a lesson in selflessness as the bowlers, children and adults alike try to get Rusty out. Terms which apply only to cricket are used and explained: squire cut, six and you’re out, spin bowl, and so on, as the story explains how Rusty developed his amazing skills. 

Each time he bats one of the bowlers over the fence Bandit tells us how he manages to do this. When Rusty was batting and Tiny bowling his pace made it impossible for Rusty to stay at the crease, but a letter from Dad gives him the impetus needed to stay at the crease. Dad tells him everyone has two choices when confronted by something overwhelming; to step back and retreat or step forward and play. He chooses to step forward and hits the ball. Consequently he is able to demolish every ball bowled at him. Similarly when a bowler decides to use the crack in the pitch in front of Rusty, he hits the ball well again, Bandit telling us of the pitch he played on with his friend who lived in a yard where no one put effort into the garden, leaving it pitted with holes and obstacles. Here Rusty cut his teeth on hitting balls turning after hitting a crack. And each time Rusty bowls one of the bowlers around the pitch another story is given about how he developed that skill.

Rusty stays at the crease for the afternoon and eventually he hits a ball to enable his little sister to catch it and get him out. A sob in the throat moment. 

And that, says Dad, is what cricket is all about, answering the question posed at the start of the afternoon.

This wonderful story extols many worth while virtues: selflessness being but one. Without flagging the point this seemingly simple story is full of humour as the kids and adults alike step up to bowl Rusty out. That he remains is a tribute to the time spent practising, encouraging the readers to try and try again, not to give up. As with all the Bluey books, the relationship between parents and children is warm and encompassing, and life lessons are presented almost as a byproduct of the delightful stories.

Watch the episode on iview here.

Themes: Bluey, Cricket, Family, Relationships.

Fran Knight