Published: Mar 17, 2015, 03:27 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 17, 2015, 05:29 PM (IST)
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) houses a museum that brings to life the pride Australia has in its sportsmen. Although it is primarily a ground for cricket, other sports also find a special place as this venue is beyond just cricket. Being at the MCG is a dream not just for sportsmen, but for any sport-loving person. Nishad Pai Vaidya tours through the MCG museum
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) — being the huge arena — is full of surprises for any visitor. Having visited the ground in the days leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 game, I had a fair glimpse into its history as I walked past some of the walls at the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC). The pride in history reflects in a singular walk through the MCC, with the walls adorning the photos and feats of legends. On the first visit, one would be in awe of that rich history and the enormity of the whole venue. However, there lies a museum that is a treasure trove of history — one which was undiscovered by me on my first visit to the venue.
The National Sports Museum is set in the MCC Stand and you have to enter from Gate 3. As you enter, an escalator takes you to the basement. Although the place has a very futuristic setting, the sense of history keeps your feet on the ground. With the creative lighting and decoration, you may feel you are in a chamber of a spaceship, but this only adds to the balance between the past and the future. Once you enter, you realise that this venue is not only about cricket — Aussie Rules Football and athletics also occupy a special place here.
Once you enter, there is a small table that has a baseball, a softball, and a ball used by Blind Cricket. Then, you can see two big shoes — perhaps made for a mythical character. But in fact, one was made for the famous swimmer Ian Thorpe and the other was for an Aussie footballer. Thorpe would sport a Size 17 and a famous sports manufacturer had made the shoes for him ahead of the Sydney Olympics in 2000. However he could not wear them as he was sponsored by one of the rivals of those makers. Put your shoe alongside Thorpe’s prototype and you feel you are standing next to Big Foot.
Then there is a to-scale model of the MCG, with a small guide alongside the glass container around it. Walk a little forward and you enter the Australian cricket hall of fame. From Don Bradman to Mark Waugh, each Hall of Famer has a place in this museum. You would find Baggy Greens, blazers, jumpers etc. You’d also find the pride of winning the World Cup, with the Reliance World Cup 1987 and the ICC Cricket World Cup finding a spot at the end of the hall of fame.
Each Test-playing nation also has a spot with blazers, sweaters, caps etc adorning the cabinets. They have also placed a summary for each nation with the names of three leading players. India’s three are Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, and Sunil Gavaskar. Tendulkar’s sweater from the 1999 tour is a part of the museum, as is MAK Pataudi’s blazer. Then there is a section that highlights the evolution of the cricket equipment. Looking at some of the old gear, you would wonder how the game was played in those days. The bats in particular are a surprise. The first one is almost unrecognisable when compared to the modern ones.
Apart from that, the museum has also highlighted the 2006 Commonwealth Games, which were played in Melbourne. A special section of the museum has commemorated Australia’s medal-winning athletes. And then, you enter the grand Aussie Rules section. The MCG is not about the game alone, but embodies the emotions behind it all. Playing the World Cup final at this venue would be a dream, for it cannot get bigger than that. I still have a few more days to explore other areas of the ground. I wonder what other surprises it has in store!
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)
