The Australians — and others

From The Times, May 1, 1921:

The Australian Eleven have lost no time in getting to work. Fresh from their practice at the nets at Lord’s, they began against Leicestershire the first of the 37 matches of the long and exhausting programme that lies before them. Attendance during the day is estimated to have reached 12,000, which must be a record gate for the opening match of the season, and probably, also, for the Leicester ground. There is no need to philosophize on the peculiar trait in the British character which makes the inhabitants of this country sustain enthusiasm and excitement over the results of a mere game. At the root of it lies something akin to the spirit that prompted the men of some