Tom Wills was an iconic figure in Australian sports history, deeply influential in the early development of both Australian rules football and cricket. If you visit https://www.1xbet.com/en, you will be able to place wagers on the 2 sports too.
Born on August 19, 1835, in the British penal colony of New South Wales, Wills grew up in a pioneering sporting environment fostered by his father, Horatio Wills, who was a convict and later a wealthy pastoralist. Australia has a great sporting landscape, and its disciplines are available at the 1xBet platform.
Creating a sport
Wills’ athletic career is often highlighted by his foundational role in Australian rules football. In 1858, at a time when the colony of Victoria was experiencing rapid growth and was in need of organized recreational activities, Wills came with a great idea. Those who visit 1xBet can also try betting on line on Australian rules football too.
He proposed the creation of a football club with a set of rules that would suit local conditions. The following year, in 1859, he was instrumental in drafting the first 10 rules of what would become Australian rules football.
These efforts culminated in the formation of the Melbourne Football Club. There is online betting that can be tried at 1xBet, where other football clubs can be wagered too.
On July 31, 1858, the first recorded football match under these rules was played at Richmond Paddock. Wills’ vision and leadership in these formative days helped to shape the unique code of football that is now a defining element of Australian culture.
A great cricket performer too
Parallel to his football career, Wills was a standout cricketer. He attended Rugby School in England, where he honed his cricket skills, and played at the first-class level upon his return to Australia. His cricket career spanned from the late 1850s to the early 1870s. When making all cricket betting at the 1xBet platform, you will also have chances to wager on other great cricketers as well.
Wills made his mark as an all-rounder, excelling both as a batsman and a bowler. He represented Victoria in intercolonial cricket matches, which were the highest level of cricket played in Australia at the time. Wills’ cricket statistics reflect his prowess. Some of his numbers include:
- he played 171 first-class matches;
- he scored more than 6 thousand runs;
- and also, he took more than 500 wickets.
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