Cricket (Bluey)
| Industry | Animation production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
Cricket is the 47th installment in the third season of the Australian animated series Bluey, marking the 151st episode in total. It debuted on ABC Kids on 11 June 2023. The storyline centers around Bluey's dad, Bandit, as he recounts a tale about Bluey's friend Rusty and his pursuit to become an accomplished cricket player, highlighting Rusty's commitment to refining his skills.
This episode was produced by Brisbane-based Ludo Studio, directed by Richard Jeffery, and co-directed and scripted by series creator Joe Brumm. Upon its release, it garnered widespread praise from viewers and sports commentators alike, establishing itself as one of the most highly regarded episodes of Bluey.
Plot
Bandit tells the story of a cricket match involving himself, Stripe, and Pat, as they attempt to dismiss Rusty during a child's birthday celebration. Concurrently, Bluey bowls to Bingo, who unintentionally gets out. Stripe then hits Bandit's ball for a six before being dismissed himself. Rusty, who was initially teaching his sister Dusty how to field, steps up to bat despite Bluey's hesitation to continue playing cricket.
Rusty swiftly displays his talent, confidently striking balls despite the fathers’ efforts to challenge him. Flashbacks reveal Rusty's intense solo training sessions, focusing on perfecting his square cut and adjusting to different pitch conditions. His dedication proves successful as he consistently finds gaps between fielders, countering their defensive tactics.
Stripe experiments with spin bowling aimed at a crack in the pitch, but Rusty's experience playing on uneven grounds enables him to handle the unpredictable deliveries. Bandit points out that Rusty's primary challenge was facing fast bowlers—a hurdle he overcame with encouragement from a letter written by his father while deployed. This support inspires Rusty to stand firm against fast bowling and score runs through boundaries.
During the ongoing game, Pat delivers fast balls that Rusty skillfully returns. As lunchtime nears, Pat requests one final attempt. Bandit explains that Rusty's passion for cricket is rooted in valuing teamwork over individual achievement. A flashback reveals Rusty choosing to let his sister bat during a family beach game. The episode concludes with Rusty envisioning himself playing for the Australian national cricket team at the Gabba, symbolizing his development and enthusiasm for the sport.
Production
Production on "Cricket" began in November 2020 after Ludo Studio approved a third season in October 2020 following the success of the second season. The episode was first hinted at during an interview with Joe Brumm on 8 July 2022. Initially, the creative team planned an episode featuring Bandit narrating a story about the game Red Rover, including a 1980s flashback showing a young Stripe playing with Bandit and Radley. However, this concept was abandoned due to safety concerns regarding Red Rover and its potential influence on viewers. Instead, that flashback idea evolved into a separate episode titled "Fairytale," which focused on Rusty gaining confidence to play. The "Cricket" episode ultimately centered on Australia's beloved sport of cricket.
Release
The episode titled "Cricket" made its debut on ABC Kids as the 47th installment of the third season, drawing an audience of approximately 563,000 viewers and airing concurrently with the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final. Initially, "Slide" was planned to conclude the series batch, but "Cricket" was unexpectedly released instead. In certain territories, Disney+ added "Cricket" on 12 January 2024, alongside much of the third season. Additionally, the episode was featured in the US home media distribution of season 3 on 28 May 2024.
A book adaptation of the episode was published in December 2023, further extending its presence within the Bluey franchise.
Reception
"Cricket" has garnered extensive praise, with viewers recognizing it as one of Bluey's standout episodes due to its touching portrayal of a cricketer’s experience. Nick Miller and Caitlin Cassidy from The Guardian emphasized its emotional depth and engaging storyline. Sports journalists have lauded the episode for its clear and accessible explanation of cricket rules tailored to children and newcomers alike. Mark Douglas, Northern Football Correspondent for The i Paper, described it as "the finest sports drama on television," attributing its success to the genuine enthusiasm of its creators and its respectful, captivating depiction of cricket that avoids condescension.
During Blueyfest, an online event held from 23 October to 6 November 2023, fans voted "Cricket" as their favorite episode. This selection led to its inclusion in a marathon showcasing the top 100 episodes on ABC Kids in celebration of the show’s fifth anniversary on 19 November.