Final answer:
Cricket in Australia got a major boost in the 19th century due to British colonization, as the colony adopted many British cultural practices, including the sport of cricket.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cricket in Australia experienced a major boost in the 19th century due to British colonization. During this time, the Industrial Revolution was underway in Great Britain, and numerous British colonies were established, including in Australia.
Factors such as an increase in population, more efficient agriculture, and commercial enterprise in Britain led to a greater need for entertainment and leisure activities for the citizens, which in turn led to the popularity of sports like cricket.
Colonies like Australia, being part of the British Empire, adopted many British sports and cultural practices. Cricket, which was already popular in Britain, became a common leisure activity in these colonies, further boosted by the emergence of competition and pride within the Empire.