Popular Sports in Australia Sport has been a part of Australian life for a long time we in Australia love to punt on sports with sportsbetkings. In fact, the history of sports in Australia dates back to the early colonial period. One of the earliest organized sports is rugby union. Another one is association football. Rugby league and Australian rules football are other sports that have been played in Australia since the country was first established. Then there are tennis and swimming. Cricket Cricket is an internationally recognized sport. It is played in all states and territories of Australia. There are three main formats: two days, one day, and Twenty20 cricket. The first official Test match between Australia and England was played in Melbourne in 1877. Australian players Jack Blackham and George Giffen played in the match. They were instrumental in the growth of the game in the early 19th century. In the 20th century, Australia produced a number of outstanding teams. This period was known as the golden age of Australian cricket. A notable squad of Aboriginal cricketers toured England in 1868. Other Aboriginal teams began to form in the late 19th century. Netball Netball is Australia’s most popular sport for women. It’s a fast-paced game, played on a court that is about a foot and a half wide. The game involves teams of players, who are assigned positions. They then have three seconds to shoot the ball through a raised goal. In the first quarter, the team with the highest score advances to the semifinals. While netball is an Australian sport, it was originally invented in England. When it arrived in Australia in the early twentieth century, it quickly spread across the country. At the time, the game was called basketball. Women could not play basketball as well as men, so the rules were modified to make the game more suitable for female players. Swimming Swimming is one of the most popular sports in Australia. It is a sport for all ages. Many people participate in swimming and are coached by various organizations. The Australian swimming team competes in international competitions, including the Olympic Games and the Pan Pacific Championships. They are also a strong contender in the Commonwealth Games. In recent years, Australian swimmers have been on an incredible rise. Some of the nation’s most successful swimmers have returned from disappointments stronger than ever. And signs of good form are building for the Paris Olympics in two years’ time. The Australian swimming team is known as the Telstra Dolphins. This team won 28 gold medals at the last Gold Coast games. Australian Rules Football Australian Rules Football is a contact sport, which involves players running with a ball. The object is to score more points than the opponent. Unlike American football, the field is oval-shaped. It has a central square, a boundary line, and goalposts. Players wear a guernsey that resembles a basketball shirt. They wear long socks and are required to have mouthguards. Some teams also wear soft helmets. Players are divided into positions on the field based on size, speed, and skill. Typically, a team has 18 players on the field at any one time. These players are generally grouped into forwards, midfielders, and ruckmen. Basketball Basketball is a sport that has found its way into the Australian psyche. It has been featured on the sporting schedules of many of the nation’s stadiums. The game also appears on television. The first game of basketball in Australia was played in 1897, six years after the invention of the sport by James Naismith. According to the Adelaide Advertiser, the first exhibition of basketball in the colony was played between the Our Boys Institute and the YMCA. While basketball’s popularity has waxed and waned, it remains one of the country’s most popular sports. Indeed, it was introduced as a part of the Commonwealth Games program in 2006 and it will be included in the program again in 2022. Tennis Tennis in Australia is one of the most popular recreational sports in the country. Players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy tennis. Whether you want to play indoors or out, you’ll find a court nearby. The Australian Open is one of four major tennis tournaments on the global sporting calendar. It’s a test of shot-making, strategy and stamina. It’s also a great way to see some of the best players in the world. In the past, Australians have dominated the game. Although tennis has evolved since its early days, it still remains popular throughout the country. Many children are taught the sport as a way of keeping fit.