With The Ashes currently taking place, cricket discourse has become increasingly topical in Australia. This time, however, it is beloved ABC children’s show Bluey that is sparking the conversation.
It is not unlike the animated television series to engage in prominent areas of discussion. It is, perhaps, one of the first times it has corralled an entire sports community together.
WATCH: Carrie Bickmore’s daughter watches her ‘Bluey’ episode. Article continues after video.
In an episode that has pulled on the cricketing world’s heart strings, the sport is part of the central storyline with red kelpie Rusty (and his love for cricket) at the forefront.
Bluey creator, Joe Brumm even admitted in a recent interview with The Advertiser that Rusty’s technique in the episode was modelled off Aussie cricket star Steve Smith – with several shots making reference to his specific batting style.
The character’s introduction to cricket is also not unlike Smith, who grew up playing backyard cricket and dreaming of a professional career.
“Cricket worked its way into every corner of my life as a kid. It was just always there. The episode uses cricket of course but it’s representative of whatever sport it is you had growing that united your family and friends,” the show’s creator told the outlet.
Touching on the themes of family, finding community through sport, and determination, the episode was certainly a tear-jerker – so much so that many sporting figures have spoken about it publicly.
Former Australian cricketer Ed Cowan admitted it brought out his emotional side on The Grandstand Cricket Podcast.
“Honestly, I was bawling my eyes out,” he said.
“If you’re a cricket fan, I don’t care how old you are, you have to watch this episode. And if you don’t have a tear in your eye at the end of the episode, I don’t even know if you’re human,” he continued.
WATCH: Bluey ‘Onesies’ episode themes. Article continues after video.
Sports journalist Melinda Farrell echoed these sentiments on Twitter: “I’m on the train and FINALLY got to see the Bluey ‘Cricket’ episode. It’s simply beautiful! Do yourself a favour, even if you’re not a kid or you don’t have one. So much to love!”
Sports writer and cricketing podcaster Sam Perry also spoke about the episode on the platform: “Bluey left me in bits. Everyone else I speak to similarly in bits.”
