This work investigates the evolution of the Australian cricket crowd, examining how the behavior and composition of spectators shifted from the colonial era through the late twentieth century. Richard I. Cashman, a noted sports historian, utilizes archival records, contemporary press reports, and sociological analysis to trace the transition of the spectator from the 'larrikin' of the nineteenth century to the 'ocker' of the modern era. The book argues that these changes in crowd behavior reflect broader shifts in Australian national identity and social class dynamics.

The text provides a dense, scholarly examination of the intersection between sporting culture and national identity in Australia. Its focus on the historical development of spectator behavior makes it a specialized resource for those interested in the social history of cricket.