The Australian men's Cricket team has unveiled a special indigenous jersey for the upcoming series against India.
The jersey, earlier worn by the women's side, has been manufactured by ASICS in collaboration with two indigenous women namely Aunty Fiona Clarke and Courtney Hagen.
Aunty Fiona Clarke is a direct descendent of the legendary Cricketer "Mosquito" Couzens (also known as Grongarrong). Couzens was one of the first aboriginal sportswoman to tour England in 1868. Fiona Clarke's work–Walkabout Wickets– was earlier featured on the on the collars of the Australia Test shirts during Ashes 2019.
The design which is "an ode ancestors and past, present and future aboriginal cricketers" is being welcomed by many Australian sportspersons; fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who also displayed the jersey, said that he was excited to wear the new indigenous jersey.
"The women's team have worn a similar artwork to our one, the Test team have worn the logo on our collars a few times and the WBBL teams have all got it on their guernseys this year so it's really exciting to have the chance as a men's team to wear our first Indigenous jersey," Official website of Cricket Australia quoted.
Cricket Australia's Indigenous Engagement Specialist, Hagen, said that the shirt was about recognising the remarkable story of the 1868 side and welcoming current and future generations of Indigenous Australians to cricket.
"This is a great opportunity for cricket to continue sharing stories about the rich contribution First Nations people have made in the sport." Hagen said.