The WACA Ground is a fabled venue in the world of cricket. As the Ground prepared to host its final men’s Ashes Test match, we undertook the task of piecing together and presenting its 130-year story.
The Doctor’s In – referencing the ‘Fremantle Doctor’ seabreeze synonymous with summer days at the Ground – encapsulates its legacy through memorable moments curated with doyen journalist Ken Casellas and the WACA Museum. Forty-eight matches, spells, innings, incidents and characters are recalled through stories and archival images across five chapters: Occasions, With Ball, With Bat, Theatre and Triumphs.
Following the success of The Doctor’s In, we were commissioned to produce a companion book, The Doctor Declares, documenting each day of the dramatic and fitting conclusion to men’s Test cricket at the WACA. This book also captures the colour of the nine men’s and women’s Big Bash League matches played at the original ‘Furnace’ in the 2017/18 season. It concludes with the comprehensive statistical record of Tests and T20s at the WACA up to this point in time, rounding out the legacy of this iconic cricket ground.
Outcome.
Having witnessed almost every Test at the WACA Ground since 1970, it was a privilege to collaborate with Ken Casellas to capture the history and character of this iconic venue. With the unwavering support of Wally Edwards of Holman Industries and Christina Matthews of the WACA, we were given free rein to create something special. From the recollection of famous moments to the documenting of its distinctive features, we aimed to celebrate the Ground’s rich story and seal its legacy as a cherished piece of Western Australia’s sporting heritage.”