I'm English (well, Tyke, so I'm pretty close) but I think that the reason the English like cricket is because they can fall asleep without missing anything (just watch the spectators at a country match on a warm summer's day).
As for Aussie vs English beer, I think that it's more an argument of bitter vs lager than between nationalities. I was out of the country for a while and didn't have my first pint of bitter till rather late in life. My work colleagues decided I was unmanly just because I shrivelled up after my first sip. Fortunately, it temporarily deadens your tastebuds so after the first pint you can swig as much as your companions without tasting it.
I don't know why Australian TV programs have been insulted. Surely everyone remembers wonderful shows like Ten Town and The Magic Boomerang?