Cricket ready to take stand
THE Australian women’s cricket team will use its opening limited-overs series match against New Zealand on Saturday to shine a light on Aboriginal culture, to help stamp out casual racism in sport and the wider community.
The world’s No.1-ranked cricket team will wear “Walkabout Wicket” logos on their shirts and be part of a barefoot “acknowledgment of country” ceremony before play at Brisbane’s Allan Border Oval.
Australian all-rounder, and proud Muruwari woman, Ashleigh Gardner has spearheaded the pre-game gesture.
Gardner said it was important for sport across the globe to help stamp out racism, as well as to raise awareness of issues facing First Nations people through movements like Black Lives Matter and Free the Flag.
“Our team, and the New Zealanders, will come together on Saturday and strongly reinforce that any form of racism or discrimination has no place in cricket, in sport or in our wider society,” she said.
Gardner said the Australian cricketers wanted to use their positive influence to stamp out prejudice.
“We still have a long way to go before we’re in a more comfortable place all around the world, but sport is a big driver in helping educate the broader community,” she said.
Australian coach Matthew Mott said he was proud to be part of creating change.
“Taking our shoes off and connecting to country means a lot, it’s very significant, and it’s a great way for us to show respect,” he said.
“We’ll be celebrating our country’s Indigenous heritage.
“I’m so excited to be a part of it, and we’re excited as a group to start our season off in this way, helping to increase the education around the history of what’s happened and how we can best move forward, as all of our cultures come together in this melting pot which is modern-day Australia.”
The cricketers have also made an ongoing commitment to the cause.
From now on, players will conduct barefoot ceremonies at every new ground they play on, and will undertake three to four Indigenous education seminars each year to further expand the team’s knowledge of First Nations culture.