 During the course of the Test series , a major convention was in progress to discuss the proposed federation of the Australian colonies . However , the victory over England dominated the attention of the Australian public and some newspapers decried the focus on cricket when important matters were being discussed . Another editor remarked in defence of the public , " We believe that Harry Trott and his ten good men and true have done more for the federation of Australian hearts than all the big delegates put together . " In reply to complaints about leave granted to Trott to play cricket , his proud employers at the Post office responded " Harry Trott is a national institution . " Passers @-@ by , including men and their families , would stop and look at Trott 's home in Albert Park " with the deference of worshippers at a shrine " , in the words of cricket writer Ray Robinson . 
