I assume you mean WWII.
He was important primarily to Australia, but also to a lesser extent to England (I say England deliberately - cricket is predominantly played by the English and not much by the Scots, Welsh or Irish until recently anyway).
He was the epitome of a sportsman to the people at that time - dignified, humble, extraordinarily gifted but with the "common touch" that allowed him to relate to people and more importantly people to relate to him. In dark days such as during the depression and war, he brought a sense of honour, hope and joy to people. He provided a distraction to the every day, he provided something to unite behind to support and love.
At least, so I hear!
