Ian Wolf
Wednesday 8th July 2009 11:50pm
Stockton-on-Tees
2,839 posts
Quote: Chappers @ July 8 2009, 8:44 PM BST
Why do they give this so much importance? It's only a challenge match after all. It's a bit like the Boat Race - the same two teams every year. It would be the same as if England played Scotland at football every year like they used to.
It is mainly to do with empire. When the Aussies beat the English for the first time it was a horrible shock in England, that a colony could defeat the heartland of the British Empire.
Also, I wouldn't say it is just some challenge match. It is five matches, each played over five days. It's not like the Boat Race or a football match which lasts only a few hours - this is something which lasts about two months.