An MCC Publication: New book explores the foundation years of the MCC

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is widely recognised for its primary responsibility to manage the iconic MCG, a venue that has been a source of local and international entertainment, sport, culture and celebration since 1853.

As the oldest sporting club in Australia, the MCC has evolved over time but the story of its founders, until now, has remained largely untold in such detail.

The Melbourne Cricket Club is proud to announce the release of the latest publication under its Publishing Support Program, Batts, Balls & Stumps – The Foundation Years of the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Written by 50-Year MCC Member and MCG volunteer James Brear, the book explores the origins of the Club and how a purchase of three pieces of equipment, batts, balls and stumps, would take a love for the game of cricket and turn it into the foundations of the MCC.

Released on the same date as the very first reported cricket match played at the MCG (November 17, 1838), this book provides an in-depth look at how one of the largest and most significant sporting clubs in the world was established and continues to evolve.

Purchase the book now via the MCG Shop.

About the Author

James Brear is a 50-Year Member of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) – the oldest sporting club in Australia, responsible for managing the MCG.

James’ involvement with the MCC began in 2008 when he began volunteering at the Australian Sports Museum (formerly National Sports Museum).

The catalyst for his interest in historical research – particularly of the sporting variety – came about following a chance encounter in the Museum with a relative of Australian Test cricketer, T.J ‘Jimmy’ Matthews.

That research motivated him to write, first a book about ‘Jimmy’, (Cricket’s Unsung Legend – The Jimmy Matthews Story, cricketbooks.com.au, 2012), another on 1938 Empire Games star, Decima Norman, (Decima Norman, The First Golden Girl, Self-published, 2015) and recently a family history for former West Coast Eagle, Phil Matera (Chance and Circumstance – The Story of Mick and Jane Matera, self-published, 2022).

In 2010, James became an MCG Tour Guide and in 2013 began volunteering at the MCC Library located within the Members’ Reserve.