Australia launch Aboriginal-inspired uniform

Australia will wear and Aboriginal inspired uniform when they take on England in a T20I on 1 February 2020 at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The fixture will form part of an inaugural ‘Reconciliation Round’ where team across the country, and at all levels, will be encouraged to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to show their commitment to reconciliation.



The uniform pays homage to the 1868 Aboriginal cricket team and symbolises Australian Cricket’s commitment to reconciliation. It consists of two sides: the front featuring the ‘Walkabout Wickets’ logo representing the past, present and future Aboriginal cricketers. The strip on the back illustrates women as warriors possessing strength and intelligence whilst standing together.



The ‘Walkabout Wickets’ logo is the piece of artwork that’s on the collar of both the Australian men’s and women’s teams Test jerseys for the 2019 Ashes series.



“The Walkabout Wickets artwork designed by Kirrae Whurrong woman and great, great granddaughter of a member of the 1868 Aboriginal team, Aunty Fiona Clarke is now synonymous with providing a connection between cricket and country,” said Courtney Hagen, CA’s indigenous engagement specialist and uniform artwork collaborator. “It is a strong demonstration of respect and an acknowledgement to Australia’s First Nations peoples and connection to the 1868 Aboriginal Team who toured England.”



The design is the result of a collaborative effort between Cricket Australia, Aunty Fiona Clarke and Courtney Hagen, both aboriginal artists, and ASICS— CA’s official apparel sponsor.



“I’m very proud of my Aboriginal heritage and to be able to represent my country and culture in this way is a significant moment for me the women’s team,” said Ashleigh Gardner, the only indigenous player in the Australian women’s team at the moment. “As part of the touring party that celebrated the 150th anniversary of the 1868 Aboriginal team to tour England, I realise how powerful valuing culture through symbols like uniforms can be about telling stories and raising awareness. My hope is that this match and these uniforms play a part in starting conversations, promoting awareness and encouraging us all to learn more.”



Before each game in the ‘Reconciliation Round’, both teams will form a barefoot huddle as mark of respect in connecting to country and demonstrate Australian Cricket’s commitment to reconciliation.