Hannah Darlington (Kamilaroi) and Anika Learoyd (Gumbaynngir)
Sydney Thunder will honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by wearing a unique playing shirt in its two Rebel Women's Big Bash League matches this weekend.
Designed by Rheanna Lotter, a Sydney-based Yuin woman, the playing shirt symbolises the connection, commitment and inclusivity of the Thunder Nation.
The large circle on the shirt represents the team; the smaller circles represent the supporters, staff, sponsors and wider community.
The large circle is connected to the smaller circles by unbreakable song lines. It is this strong connection between all parts of the Thunder Nation that enables the team to function and compete.
The design was worn by Thunder's BBL team last season, with the WBBL team set to wear this special uniform for the first time this weekend.
Thunder young gun and proud Kamilaroi woman Hannah Darlington hopes the initiative will help to inspire young Indigenous cricketers around the country.
“It’s an awesome strip, I saw it last year when the boys wore it in their round and thought it was great,” she said.
“I think to be able to pull on this playing shirt on over the weekend will be really special. It’s a very cool design.
“When people turn the television on and see that shirt it will hopefully inspire them – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – to play cricket.
“I think it will have an extra special place in the Indigenous kids’ hearts.”
Thunder captain Rachael Haynes praised the leadership shown by Darlington and teammate Anika Learoyd, a proud Gumbaynngir woman, in talking about NAIDOC Week and sharing their culture with the group.
“They're both exceptional young women and they're doing a fantastic job,” Haynes said.
“It's a wonderful week to be part of, we're really grateful that we can be part of the celebration and learn more and more about Aboriginal culture.”
Listen to story here: https://www.sydneythunder.com.au/news/thunder-to-wear-special-indigenous-playing-shirt/2020-11-13