Look, there’s nothing quite like the sound of a packed crowd at the MCG or SCG when the Ashes are on the line. The roar, the banter, and yes—the chants. Whether you’re a seasoned footy fan who’s new to the cricket stands, a parent taking the kids to their first Big Bash League game, or a grassroots player trying to get your local club’s supporters involved, knowing a few good chants and songs can turn a good day at the ground into an unforgettable one.

In this guide, we’re going to run through everything you need to know about fan chants and songs at Australian cricket matches. We’ll cover the classics, the clever one-liners, the respectful (and not-so-respectful) banter, and how to get a whole section of the crowd joining in. By the end, you’ll have a practical checklist you can take to your next Test match, BBL fixture, or even a Sheffield Shield game at your local ground.

Let’s get into it.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s make sure you’ve got the basics covered. You don’t need much, but a little preparation goes a long way.

A voice (even a croaky one will do): You don’t need to be a choir singer. Cricket crowds are forgiving—enthusiasm beats pitch perfection every time.
Basic knowledge of the game: Know who’s batting, who’s bowling, and what’s at stake. A chant about Steve Smith when Pat Cummins is bowling just won’t land.
A sense of timing: The best chants happen during a lull in play, after a big wicket, or when the opposition’s fielder drops a sitter. Don’t start a song right as the bowler is running in.
A mate or two: It’s easier to get a chant going if you’ve got a few people backing you up. Even one other person can make a difference.
Respect for the game and the players: Banter is part of the culture, but keep it good-natured. We’re here to enjoy the cricket, not ruin it for anyone.

Step-by-Step: How to Start and Lead Fan Chants at the Cricket

Step 1: Pick Your Moment

Timing is everything. The worst thing you can do is start a chant when the bowler is at the top of their mark or when the batter is about to face a delivery. Not only will you annoy the people around you, but you’ll also look like you don’t know what’s happening.

Good moments to start a chant:

Right after a wicket falls (especially if it’s a big one like David Warner or Steve Smith)
During a drinks break
When the over is finished and the fielders are changing ends
During a rain delay (this is prime time for creative songs)
After a boundary or a six, especially in a BBL or T20 World Cup match

Bad moments:

During the bowler’s run-up
When a batter is on 99 and about to reach a century
When the crowd is already tense and focused (like the final over of a tight Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider)

Step 2: Start Simple and Loud

The best chants are the ones everyone already knows the tune to. You don’t need to invent a brand new melody. Borrow from footy songs, Christmas carols, or classic rock riffs. The simpler, the better.

For example:

To the tune of “Yellow Submarine” (The Beatles): “We all support the Baggy Greens, the Baggy Greens, the Baggy Greens…”
To the tune of “Seven Nation Army” (The White Stripes): “Ohhh, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!” (This one is a classic for a reason)
To the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In”: “Oh when the Aussies, go marching in, oh when the Aussies go marching in…”

Start loud and clear. Don’t mumble. If you’re unsure, just belt out the first line. Someone will join in.

Step 3: Get a Small Group on Board First

You’re not going to get the whole Bay 13 at the MCG singing if you’re the only one making noise. Start with your mates, the people in your row, or a few strangers who look keen. Make eye contact, smile, and nod toward them when you start singing. People are more likely to join if they feel invited.

If you’re at a Sheffield Shield game or a local club match, the crowd is smaller, so you’ll need to be louder and more persistent. But the principle is the same: start with a few, and the rest will follow.

Step 4: Use the Players’ Names (Respectfully)

Personalised chants are gold. They show you know the game and they get the players fired up. Here are a few examples that work well:

For Pat Cummins: “Pat Cummins, he’s our man, if he can’t do it, no one can!” (To the tune of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”)
For Steve Smith: “Steve Smith, Steve Smith, he’s the king of the Ashes, he’s the king of the Ashes!” (To the tune of “Yellow Submarine”)
For David Warner: “Warner, Warner, he’s our man, hitting sixes like a garbage can!” (Okay, that one’s a bit silly, but it works in the BBL crowd)

Avoid chants that are mean-spirited. Banter is fine, but targeting a player’s personal life, injuries, or family is a bad look. Keep it about the cricket.

Step 5: Keep the Rhythm Going

Once you’ve started a chant, don’t give up after one verse. Repeat it a few times. Clap your hands or stomp your feet to keep the beat. If the crowd is with you, they’ll keep it going. If they drop off, don’t force it. Let it die naturally and try again later.

A good rule of thumb: three repetitions is enough. Any more and it starts to feel like a broken record.

Step 6: Adapt to the Situation

Different matches call for different chants. Here’s a quick guide:

Ashes Test match: Go for the classics. “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi” and “The Ashes are coming home” (to the tune of “Three Lions”) are always winners. You can also throw in a cheeky “You’re not singing anymore!” when England’s fans go quiet.
Big Bash League game: This is where you can get creative. BBL crowds are more relaxed and often include families. Try simple, fun chants like “Six! Six! Six!” after every boundary, or “Bowl a yorker!” when the bowler is steaming in.
Women’s Big Bash League match: The WBBL crowds are growing fast and they’re full of energy. Chants like “Let’s go [team name], let’s go!” work brilliantly. You can also personalise them for star players like Ellyse Perry or Meg Lanning.
Sheffield Shield match: The crowds are smaller and more dedicated. This is where you can get clever. Try chants that reference local rivalries or inside jokes. “C’mon the [state name]!” is a staple.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: This is a global stage, so your chants should be big and bold. “Australia! Australia! Australia!” chanted in a three-beat rhythm is simple but effective.

Step 7: Know When to Stop

Not every chant needs to be sung into the ground. If the crowd isn’t joining, let it go. If the play is about to resume, stop. If you’ve been singing the same song for ten minutes, mix it up. The best chant leaders know when to pull back and let the game speak for itself.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

Pro Tips

Use call-and-response: “When I say ‘Aussie’, you say ‘Oi’!” This is the easiest way to get a whole crowd involved.
Bring a friend who knows the words: It’s a lot easier to start a chant when you’ve got backup.
Watch the footy for inspiration: AFL crowds are masters of the chant. Steal their tunes and adapt the lyrics for cricket.
Be ready for a rain delay: This is when the best chants come out. Have a few long-form songs in your back pocket.
Respect the traditions: At the MCG and SCG, there are certain chants that are sacred. Learn them before you try to invent new ones.

Common Mistakes

Starting a chant during a tense moment: Nothing annoys a cricket fan more than someone shouting “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!” right as the batter is about to face a crucial delivery.
Being too aggressive: If you’re shouting at opposition fans or players, you’re not being a good ambassador for the game. Keep it fun.
Not knowing the words: If you mumble through a chant, no one will join. Learn the lyrics beforehand.
Forcing a chant that isn’t working: If you’re the only one singing after two attempts, move on. Don’t be that person.
Ignoring the umpires: Never chant at the umpires. It’s bad form and it won’t change their decision.

Checklist Summary

Use this checklist before, during, and after your next cricket match to make sure you’re getting the crowd going the right way.

Know the match context – Is it an Ashes Test, a BBL game, or a Sheffield Shield clash? Adjust your chants accordingly.
Pick your moment – Start chants after wickets, boundaries, drinks breaks, or rain delays. Avoid the bowler’s run-up.
Start simple and loud – Use a familiar tune and belt out the first line clearly.
Get a small group on board – Sing with your mates or the people in your row before trying to take over the whole stand.
Use player names – Personalised chants for Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, David Warner, or your local Shield stars work best.
Keep the rhythm – Repeat the chant three times, clap or stomp to keep the beat, and don’t drag it out.
Adapt to the situation – Use different chants for Test matches, BBL, WBBL, and Shield games.
Know when to stop – If the crowd isn’t joining or play is about to resume, let the chant die naturally.
Stay respectful – Keep banter good-natured. No personal attacks, no swearing, no targeting umpires.
Have fun – The whole point is to enjoy the day and add to the atmosphere. If you’re not smiling, you’re doing it wrong.

Want More on Fan Culture?

If you’ve enjoyed this guide, you’ll love diving deeper into the traditions that make Australian cricket so special. Check out our other articles on the history and culture of the game, the unique fan traditions that have been passed down through generations, and the champions of the 80s who helped shape the modern game.

So there you have it. Whether you’re at the MCG for an Ashes decider, the SCG for a New Year’s Test, or your local ground for a Sheffield Shield clash, you’ve now got the tools to get the crowd singing. Remember: start simple, be respectful, and don’t be afraid to be a little silly. Cricket is a game, after all, and the best part of the game is the people you share it with.

Now go on—get out there and make some noise. The players will thank you for it.

Fan Chants and Songs: Your Practical Guide to Getting the Crowd Going at the Cricket