A Grandstand Finish: Geoff Piggott Scores His PhD
What do cricket, culture, politics, and colonialism have in common? Quite a lot, according to Geoffrey Piggott, who has now completed his PhD examining the game’s deeper cultural impact. As he steps off the academic pitch, he reflects on the insights from his research and what they mean for Australia-India relations moving forward.
The Opening Stand
Geoff’s research explores the relationship between Australia and India through cricket, focusing on how colonial legacies continue to shape cultural exchanges. His journey began in country Victoria, where cricket was a way of life, and later took him to Mumbai, where he taught English literature and immersed himself in India’s cricketing culture. These experiences led him to question how Australia perceives contemporary India and, in turn, how cricket serves as a bridge—or battleground—between the two nations.
A Game of Shifting Powers
In a rapidly changing global landscape, cricket stands as a rare example of an arena where power has already transitioned away from Western dominance. Geoff’s thesis, A Change in the Field: Australia-India Cricket and the Possibilities for Cultural Openness in the Shadow of Colonialism, examines how this shift has been navigated and what it means for intercultural understanding. His research also highlights the need for Australian cricket to engage more meaningfully with the country’s growing South Asian communities to remain relevant in a changing cultural landscape.
Conversations from the Commentary Box
One of the most rewarding aspects of Geoff’s PhD was the opportunity to speak with some of cricket’s most influential figures. He interviewed legends like Ian Chappell and Mike Hussey, esteemed journalists including Mike Coward and Sharda Ugra, and cricket historians such as Ramachandra Guha and Gideon Haigh. The COVID era unexpectedly allowed for deeper discussions, as interviewees had more time to reflect on the game’s evolution.
Beyond the sport’s stars, Geoff also found joy in discussing his research with academics and cricket enthusiasts alike. From debates on Steve Waugh’s captaincy to emails from cricket lovers who stumbled upon his work, the game’s ability to spark conversation continues to amaze him.
Lessons from the Pavilion
Geoff’s findings reveal that Australia’s adaptation to India’s cricketing rise has been pragmatic rather than deeply cultural. While economic and political considerations have driven engagement, a new shared narrative has emerged, largely fuelled by the nostalgic consumption of cricket history. This growing respect for India’s success suggests that, despite past tensions, the game remains a powerful connector.
The Final Over
Now that his PhD is complete, Geoff reflects on the journey with gratitude. The 2023 Cricket World Cup showcased India’s dominance, yet Australia’s presence in the final proved that the rivalry remains a defining feature of the sport. The recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series only intensified this dynamic, delivering moments that captivated fans and reignited debates about cricketing supremacy. While the challenges of cricket’s commercialisation and political entanglements continue to loom large, the sheer passion for the game ensures it will remain a touchstone for Australia-India relations.
Advice for the Next Innings
For future PhD candidates, Geoff has one key piece of advice: follow a passion. His own journey was fuelled by curiosity and a love for cricket, sustained by the support of his supervisor Associate Professor Shameem Black, his panel members Professor Matt Tomlinson and Professor Assa Doron, and CHL’s dedicated administrative team, including Etsuko Mason.
Raising the Bat
With his PhD now complete, Geoff has played an incredible innings. Next, he’s setting his sights on publishing his thesis as a book while continuing research into how Australian sporting culture is adapting to a rapidly changing cultural landscape, both domestically and internationally. As he steps up to the crease for his next big opportunity, we’re excited to see how he plays the next innings and what future matches he goes on to win. Congratulations, Dr. Piggott!
