Christian sports his Indigenous pride
SYDNEY Sixers all-rounder Dan Christian hopes the Big Bash League’s inaugural First Nations Round will encourage cricket fans to have important conversations about Indigenous culture and history.
The former Aussie international is a busy, busy man. This week alone he’s become a dad for the first time, appeared in the Sixers’ opening two games of BBL11 – both victories for the men in magenta – and presented his teammates with the Sixers’ first-ever Indigenous jersey, which he helped design.
The jersey is a long-time coming – the BBL has had First Nations players, like Christian,
since its outset more than a decade ago, and Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland, Josh Lalor and D’Arcy Short are among those contracted for BBL11.
For years, Christian has advocated for the BBL to formally celebrate those players with a First Nations Round and from January 8-14, he will get his wish.
The Sixers will be on the road for First Nations Round, though, so will wear their Indigenous jersey for Saturday’s home game against the Hobart Hurricanes.
As he presented each member of the squad with their Indigenous jersey at the SCG on Friday morning, it was difficult for the pride Christian feels in the shirt to escape the notice of onlookers.
A Wiradjuri man who grew up on Country in Narrandera, NSW, Christian is relishing the opportunity to share his culture with his teammates.
“(My Indigenous heritage) has always been integral to who I am,” he said. “My old man and that side of the family have always been really proud of where we’re from.”