Sports

Bengaluru, Sep 15 (IANS) Experienced midfielder Namita Toppo on Thursday announced her retirement from international hockey, ending a decade-long career with the Indian women's hockey team.

The 27-year-old Namita was part of the Indian team that won a silver medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and the team that bagged a bronze medal in Incheon in 2014.

Hockey India on Thursday congratulated her on an illustrious career with the Indian women's hockey team during which she also won the gold medal in the 2017 Asia Cup in Gifu, Japan and bronze in the 2014 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

A product of the Sports Hostel, Panposh, Rourkela which is located in her native state of Odisha, Namita first represented her state team in 2007 and her performances in the domestic competitions helped her in getting selected for the Girls' U-18 Hockey Asia Cup in Bangkok, Thailand held in 2011 where the Indian team won the bronze medal.

Namita's hard work and dedication in the national camps and consistent performances in the domestic circuit saw her getting selected to represent the senior India team in 2012 when she participated in the FIH Champions Challenge I in Dublin, Hockey India informed in a release on Thursday.

The following year, she was part of the Indian junior women's hockey team, which won the bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup Women 2013 held in Mönchengladbach, Germany.

There was no looking back for Namita after that as she took part in major tournaments like FIH Women's World League Round 2 in 2013 where India won the gold medal, 3rd women's Asian Champions Trophy in 2013 where India won the silver medal, 8th Women's Asia Cup 2013, 20th Commonwealth Games 2014, 17th Asian Games 2014 where India won the bronze medal, 2016 Rio Olympics, the team's silver medal victory at the 9th Women's Asia Cup 2017 and the 18th Asian Games 2018 where the national team clinched the silver medal.

"The last 10 years have definitely been the best years of my life. I had a dream to play for my country at the biggest stages and I am so happy that I have been able to achieve my dreams. I hope I have made a huge impact and I am very thrilled to see the way the Indian Women's Hockey Team has progressed in the last decade," Namita Toppo was quoted as saying in a release by Hockey India.

"I will keep cheering and supporting for the team while I move on to a new chapter in my life. I could not have achieved this without the support of my teammates, and the Odisha State Government who have backed us unconditionally. They have recognised our achievements every step of the way," she added.

"I thank the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sir and the Departments of Sports and Youth Services. I also thank Hockey India, SAI, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for their unparalleled support for women's hockey. I also thank all the coaches I have trained under," said Namita Toppo.

Meanwhile, the Indian women's hockey team chief coach Janneke Schopman said, "Namita has made a humungous contribution to Indian hockey. Apart from giving everything on the field, Namita has also been a perfect role model for the youngsters in the team."

"Not many players get a chance to play 168 matches for their national teams and Namita has earned each one of those caps. Apart from being a great hockey player, Toppo is one of the kindest people I know. She is very thoughtful and she always put the team first. I would like to wish her all the very best for the future," said the chief coach.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Former India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday walked down memory lane to recall funny street cricket slang used during his childhood time in a video uploaded on his social media accounts.

Cricket is full of offbeat terms and expressions and a successful player ought to know his game-glossary well. To prove this point and to provide some relief to the sport's fans ahead of the serious business of the T20 World Cup, Kohli brought out this video in association with PUMA.

The video, titled Do You Know Your Cricket Slang, put the spotlight on Kohli as the batting icon explained the meanings of popular local slang used in Indian street cricket such as 'Batta' and 'Baby Over'.

Kohli couldn't hold back the laughter as he narrated the instances in response to local cricket terms, according to a release by his sponsors.

"Batta is a desi and rugged word for chucking," Kohli said in his response to the term as he spent some light moments off-the-field in a short fun video clip made in association with sportswear brand PUMA, which is the official kit partner of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The amusing video clip brings out the 33-year-old passionate cricketer's off-the-field personality.

Kohli performed exceedingly well in the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2022 in UAE, slamming a much-awaited 71st century as well as two half-centuries to conclude the tournament as the second-highest run-getter.

--IANS

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Sydney, Sep 15 (IANS) Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes has announced her retirement from international cricket, making it clear that the upcoming eighth edition of the Women's Big Bash League will be her last outing.

Haynes confirmed she has also played her last domestic match for New South Wales, while WBBL|08 will be her last for the Sydney Thunder.

"Not only one of the greatest players of her generation, @RachaelHaynes has been an outstanding contributor to the culture of our team. Congrats on an incredible career, Rach. We'll miss you," said the official handle of the Australian Women's Cricket Team.

In a career spanning more than a decade, Haynes played 84 Twenty20 Internationals, 77 One-Day Internationals and six Tests.

A top-order batter, Haynes scored nearly 3,818 international runs across all three formats, including 98 on her Test debut against England in 2009, two ODI centuries and 19 half-centuries. The left-hander also claimed 13 wickets and is also a good fielder.

Haynes first captained Australia during her second stint in the side, leading the team at the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup with Meg Lanning battling a shoulder issue, said a report in cricket.com.au.

In 2018 Haynes was named Australian vice-captain, playing pivotal roles in Australia's ICC Women's T20 World Cup victories in 2018 an 2020, Women's World Cup win in 2022 and historic Commonwealth Games gold medal run in July, the report added.

Haynes thanked all those who played a role in her success as a cricketer.

"Playing at this level isn't possible without the support of many people. From clubs, states, coaches, family and friends, I'm so grateful to those who helped me along the way. In particular, I want to thank my parents Ian and Jenni, and partner Leah for their unwavering support," Haynes said after announcing her decision.

"To all the teammates across my career, you are the reason I've played as long as I have. You've inspired me to be better every day. I've learnt something from all of you, on and off the field. You've challenged me as a player, helped me grow as a person and most importantly, made cricket fun," she said.

"One of the great things about having a long career is watching those around you develop. I'm extremely proud of the way this team has brought players in and nurtured their development. The ability to help players transition smoothly has been instrumental to our team's success. To be a leader within this environment has been the greatest privilege of my career," she added.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley said: "On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia I'd like to congratulate Rachael on an amazing career and also recognise the outstanding contribution she has made off the field.

"Rachael's calm and assured leadership has played a key role in Australia becoming one of the most successful sporting teams in history. She will go down as a great of the game.

"Rachael has been an inspirational figure for kids coming into the game and to her many teammates and has played an integral part in the advancement of cricket as a sport for women and girls, both here in Australia and around the world," he was quoted as saying in a release.

Hockley hoped that Haynes will maintain her close connection with the game ever after her retirement.

"We look forward to watching Rachael in the WBBL this season and hope she maintains a close connection to the game in coming years," he said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) plea in connection with the amendments proposed to its constitution to relax the cooling-off period requirement.

Accordingly, the cooling-off period for office-bearers will kick in after two consecutive terms at either the BCCI or at the state association level. So the office-bearers can now have a maximum of 12 years at one go: Two three-year terms at the state association level and two three-year terms at the BCCI, and after this, the cooling-off period will be applicable.

The decision will allow the current set of office-bearers led by BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah to be in office until 2025. Ganguly and Shah had already served one term each at the state and BCCI level and would have been disqualified under the existing rule.

However, they can now serve an additional term at the BCCI.

The whole conflict between the BCCI and Supreme Court had started long ago and has seen a lot of twists and turns.


Here is a timeline of how things unfolded over the last nine years:

2013 - Spot Fixing

In May, three Rajasthan Royals players -- S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila -- were arrested on spot-fixing charges, which revealed a nexus between franchise members, players and bookies. A follow-up probe then led to the arrest of Gurunath Meiyappan, team principal of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Thereafter in October, the Supreme Court appointed a committee headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal to look into the spot-fixing scandal.

2014 - Mudgal Committee Findings

In November, the Mudgal Committee found IPL chief operating officer Sundar Raman, Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals owner Raj Kundra guilty of betting. The Committee's report also pointed fingers at then BCCI chief N. Srinivasan, the father-in-law of Meiyappan.

2015 - Lodha Panel

In January, the apex court appointed a panel headed by retired justice R.M. Lodha to suggest reforms for BCCI as well as determine punishments for those guilty in the IPL spot-fixing case.

After six months, the Lodha panel suspended CSK and Rajasthan Royals for two years and handed a lifetime ban to their owners. However, the players of the two franchises were allowed to be auctioned/played for other franchises.

2016 - Complete Overhaul

In January, the Lodha panel recommended a complete overhaul of the BCCI structure. Apart from that, other major recommendations included one-vote-one-state criteria, limiting tenure of office-bearers, separate players' association for men and women, and barring ministers over 70 from holding any position in the board or state associations.

The panel also gave BCCI time till January 31 to come back with suggestions. But no response from the board forced the panel to approach the Supreme Court. In the very next month, the apex court gave BCCI the deadline of March 3 to respond to Lodha panel's suggestions and the BCCI filed its response and objections to the report in a 55-page counter-affidavit.

In April, the Supreme Court questioned BCCI's method of disbursing funds to state associations and later called the board's constitution non-transparent.

In a plea to the Supreme Court, the panel then asked for replacing BCCI top bosses and a bench headed by then Chief Justice T.S. Thakur also slammed the board's attitude. In a special general meeting in October, BCCI deliberated on the Lodha panel recommendations but made no mention of key reforms such as age and tenure of office-bearers or the one-state-one-vote policy in its statement.

The Supreme Court then decided to pass an order on the issue of implementation of directions of the Lodha panel after BCCI declined to give an unconditional undertaking. However, the BCCI remained defiant on implementing the key reforms.

On December 15, 2016, the top court said there is, on first impression, a charge of perjury that can be laid against then BCCI President Anurag Thakur and the board's General Manager for game development, Ratnakar Shetty, for lying under oath.

2017 - Anurag Thakur's Removal

On January 2, the Supreme Court removed BCCI President Anurag Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke from their posts.

On January 30, the court appointed four eminent personalities from varying backgrounds to oversee the running of the BCCI until the board can hold fresh elections for office-bearers as per the Lodha committee's recommendations.

The panel consisted of historian and cricket writer Ramachandra Guha, former Indian women's team captain Diana Edulji, EX-CAG of India Vinod Rai, and Vikram Lamaye, CEO and Managing Director of IDFC (Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation).

2018 - Newly-drafted Constitution (Cooling-off)

The BCCI adopted a newly-drafted constitution, which was finalised post the court's judgement by Justice Chandrachud that an office-bearer who has held any post for two consecutive terms (six years) either at a state association or in the BCCI, or a combination of both, shall not be eligible to contest any further election without completing a cooling-off period of three years.

During the cooling-off period, the person cannot serve in any capacity at both the BCCI or state level.

2019 - Ganguly, Jay Shah Get Top Posts

In October, former India captain Sourav Ganguly was elected as BCCI President and Jay Shah as Secretary, ending the 33-month reign of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators. Arun Dhumal was elected as Treasurer while Jayesh George took charge as Joint Secretary.

The BCCI administration approached the court seeking several significant amendments to the board's constitution, which would roll back the sweeping reforms passed by the court in 2016 on the basis of the Lodha panel's recommendations.

The changes sought by the BCCI included tweaking the cooling-off period of office-bearers, modifying the disqualification criteria, giving unprecedented power to the BCCI Secretary, and stopping the court from having any say if the board wants to alter the constitution.

As per BCCI, the existing cooling-off period was a "restriction", which was "proving to be a big blow to selecting talented and experienced hands". The BCCI said the cooling-off period must be applied only after the individual has finished six years at one place - the BCCI or the state association - separately.

2020-21 - Case pending in Supreme Court for hearing

2022 - Ganguly, Jay Shah get extension

A two-judge bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Hima Kohli passed orders to this effect on Wednesday, modifying its 2018 judgement.

The court agreed to tweak the existing rule on the cooling-off period by allowing an office-bearer to hold office for two terms at one place - the state association or BCCI - while removing the clause of combination of both.

--IANS
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New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Former India opener Robin Uthappa on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket.

Uthappa shared a heartfelt post announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket on social media.

The right-handed batter said it has been "greatest honour" to represent India and Karnataka during this illustrious career.

"It has been my greatest honour to represent my country and my state, Karnataka. However, all good things must come to an end, and with a grateful heart, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you all," Uthappa said on the Koo app.

Uthappa played the 2004 Under-19 World Cup. He made his international debut two years later and featured in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is for India.

"It's been 20 years since I started playing professional cricket, and it has been the greatest honour to represent my country and state, Karnataka- wonderful journey of ups and downs; one that has been fulfilling, rewarding, enjoyable and has allowed me to grow as a human being," Uthappa further said in the post.

The stylish batter was a part of the Indian side which lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa. The batter from Karnataka has won two IPL trophies-- one for KKR and one for CSK in 2014 and 2021 respectively.

--IANS
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Bengaluru, Sep 14 (IANS) Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) congratulated Dinesh Karthik on his inclusion in the India side for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next month, saying the franchise "couldn't be more happy".

"We couldn't be more happy for you, @DineshKarthik! Special comeback from a special player," tweeted RCB and posted a short video with the caption, "Dreams do come true".

Karthik, who made another India comeback with his stellar run in the IPL 2022, has been playing the role of a finisher for RCB and the national team. Given his impressive strike rate and finishing prowess, the All-India Senior Selection Committee picked the veteran cricketer in India's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.

The 37-year-old has also been added to the squad announced to play the home series against Australia and South Africa. He had earlier mentioned that the motivation to play for India remains as strong as ever.

In response to RCB's appreciation on social media, Karthik gave a big 'thank you' to the franchise.

"Thanks @RCBTweets for being an integral part of the journey and helping me achieve my dream. Most importantly to all the RCB fans who chant RCB, RCB even when am in my blues representing team INDIA, I LOVE YOU GUYS. THANKS @malolanr @CoachHesson, SANJAY BANGAR, @basu2013, S SRIRAM," tweeted Karthik.

--IANS

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Dubai, Sep 14 (IANS) Star India batter Virat Kohli has risen 14 spots to 15th overall on the ICC T20I batter rankings due to his efforts in the recently-concluded Asia Cup in the UAE. Kohli scored his first international century in almost three years -- against Afghanistan -- and scored 276 runs in the continental showpiece event.

Kohli has some way to go before he is back into contention for the top ranking for T20I batters, but he is at least moving in the right direction now after returning to form during the Asia Cup.

The champion right-hander was the big mover near the top of the T20I batter rankings, with India team-mate KL Rahul (up seven places to 23rd) and Sri Lanka star Bhanuka Rajapaksa (up 34 spots to 34th) also making good ground on those players near the top.

Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has also been rewarded for his dominant performances at the Asia Cup, while a new No.1 all-rounder has been crowned in the shortest format of the game.

Sri Lanka match-winner Hasaranga improved three places to sixth on the bowler rankings and seven spots to fourth on the all-rounder list after he was adjudged 'Player of the Tournament' at the Asia Cup.

The Sri Lanka all-rounder picked up nine wickets for the tournament -- including three in the final against Pakistan -- and his form was a big reason why the island nation was able to claim a sixth Asia Cup title.

Hasaranga could be eyeing a top spot in both ranking lists should he be able to replicate his current form during the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. The 25-year-old is now just 100 rating points behind Australia's Josh Hazlewood on the list for T20I bowlers, while the gap at the top is even less on the all-rounder rankings.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is the new No.1 ranked T20I all-rounder after he overtook Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi following the Asia Cup.

But Hasaranga's rapid recent rise sees him move to a total of 184 rating points, with both Shakib (248) and Nabi (246) well within his sights.

Pakistan veteran Mohammad Rizwan maintains his lead at the head of the T20I batter rankings, while South Africa's Aiden Markram jumps in front of Babar Azam to claim second place in a tight battle for top billing.

On the list for T20I bowlers, India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (up four spots to seventh) and Pakistan duo Haris Rauf (up nine places to equal 25th) and Mohammad Nawaz (up seven spots to 34th) were among the biggest movers after strong performances at the Asia Cup.

There was no movement inside the top 10 on the latest Test player rankings, but there were some big jumps made by England and South Africa players following the completion of their recent three-match series.

England right-hander Ollie Pope moved up 17 places to 29th overall on the list for batters, while team-mate Ollie Robinson jumped 11 spots to 15th on the bowler rankings following his five-wicket haul in the first innings in the third and deciding Test at The Oval.

While South Africa fell to a 2-1 series defeat against Brendon McCullum's side, they will be buoyed by the performance of pacer Marco Jansen in the final Test of that series. Jansen collected a five-wicket haul of his own and moved up eight spots to 26th on the Test bowler rankings and six places to equal 12th on the list for all-rounders on the back of his efforts.

Australia's 3-0 series sweep during the recently completed Chappell-Hadlee series saw some minor change on the latest ODI player rankings, with veteran duo Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc the main beneficiaries.

Smith was the leading run-scorer for the series with 167 runs and he was rewarded by jumping 13 spots to 10th overall on the batter rankings.

While Starc's rise wasn't quite as dramatic, the experienced left-armer will be pleased with his three-place jump to ninth overall on the list for ODI bowlers.

Kiwi pacer Trent Boult maintains his lead on the ODI bowler rankings after he finished the series against Australia as the leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps.

--IANS

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Melbourne, Sep 14 (IANS) Australia trio of left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are set to miss the upcoming T20I series against India due to injuries.

Opener David Warner had already been rested from the trip and now, Starc (knee), Marsh (ankle) and Stoinis (side strain) have been ruled out of the short tour of India.

"Selectors felt with three games in six days across three cities -- including travel to India and internally -- Marsh, Stoinis and Starc are best served remaining in Australia to prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," said a statement from Cricket Australia (CA).

Earlier, a report in cricket.com.au said pacer Nathan Ellis, all-rounders Daniel Sams, and Sean Abbott will be the replacements for the injured trio on their trip to India, with matches to take place on September 20, 23 and 25 in Mohali, Nagpur and Hyderabad respectively.

The last time Australia played a T20I series against India, it was in 2019, where Australia won two-match series 2-0.

Marsh and Stoinis were injured during Australia's ODI series against Zimbabwe at Townsville and against New Zealand at Cairns. But Starc, their pace spearhead, is a late exclusion from the tour to India after a scan on his knee in Sydney on Wednesday.

The trios absence means that Australia will have some changes to their desired playing eleven on tour of India.

"The absence of Stoinis all-but guarantees Tim David will make his Australian debut on the tour as a middle-order finisher, and gives him the chance to make it difficult for Stoinis to force his way back into the side."

"Marsh's absence could see Steve Smith move back up to No.3 with allrounder Cameron Green coming into the side, while Josh Inglis is likely to partner Aaron Finch at the top of the order with Warner rested from the tour for family time," added the report.

After playing three T20Is against India, Australia will play home T20I series against the West Indies and England in the lead-up to their Men's T20 World Cup title defence at home.

The Aaron Finch-led side will fly to India early on Thursday to acclimatise to the conditions and kickstart training ahead of first T20I at Mohali on September 20.

Australia will have a warm-up match against India at The Gabba, Brisbane before starting their Men's T20 World Cup campaign at home against New Zealand on October 22 in Sydney.

Australia squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (vice-captain), Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Finch (captain), Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.


--IANS

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Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on Wednesday announced that Mahela Jayawardene and Zaheer Khan are being elevated to new roles as part of the franchise's central team for its growing global cricket footprint.

Jayawardene, the former Sri Lanka skipper who became the head coach of the franchise since 2017 and under whom MI won three IPL titles, has now been appointed as the Global Head of Performance. Zaheer, ex-India left-arm pacer, who joined the side as Director of Cricket Operations in 2018, has been appointed as Global Head of Cricket Development.

The move comes at a time when the Reliance Industries, owners of Mumbai Indians, recently acquired franchises in UAE's ILT20 and South Africa's SA20 leagues. While the UAE franchise is named MI Emirates, the South Africa franchise is called MI Cape Town. Both leagues are scheduled to begin in January next year.

In his new role, Jayawardene will provide senior leadership of the group's cricket operations worldwide, including overall strategic planning, the creation of an integrated global high-performance eco-system, as well as responsibility for each team's coaching and support structures, working closely with the team head coaches to ensure synergies, a consistent brand of cricket, and implementation of best practices set by MI.

"It is an absolute honour for me to lead MI's global cricket operations. Mrs. Ambani and Akash's leadership and guidance have made MI the most valued global cricket franchise and I am very happy to see MI grow globally. I look forward to this new responsibility to build a strong cohesive global brand of cricket," said Jayawardene in an official statement.

Zaheer's new role will see him be responsible for player development, building on MI's robust programme around talent identification and grooming and adopting the same across geographies, which has been core philosophy and has contributed to MI's success in IPL. Each geography comes with its unique set of challenges and Zaheer's elevated role will play an important role helping all three franchises across the globe.

"I am humbled to take on this new role and thank Mrs. Nita Ambani and Akash for their faith in me. MI has been home for me as a player and as a coaching team member, and now as we embark on a new journey, I look ahead to working closely with all the stakeholders in the global network to unearth new potential that can join the family," added Zaheer.

"I'm happy to have Mahela and Zak as part of our global core team. Both have been an integral part of the MI family and embody the spirit of the cricket MI stands for. I'm confident that they would be able to ensure the same flows through all our teams globally and make a difference in the cricketing ecosystems across the globe," said Akash M. Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm.

Mumbai are the only team apart from four-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings to successfully defend their title, which they did in 2020. After missing the playoffs in 2021, the side had a disappointing last place finish in the 10-team event in IPL 2022, winning just four out of 14 matches in the league stage.


--IANS

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Dubai, Sep 14 (IANS) Even as the buzz builds in India around the unveiling of the kit for the 'Men in Blue' for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in October-November, Australia revealed Aaron Finch's men will wear an Indigenous-themed kit for the first time as they attempt to defend their crown on home soil.

While England have opted for a predominantly red kit, Aboriginal artwork will flow on the Australian jerseys, which have black sleeves and a green and gold gradient on the trunk of the playing top, as they seek to defend the T20 World Cup on home soil a year after lifting the trophy in the United Arab Emirates defeating trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.

"The long-sleeved version will see the gold and green artwork extended onto the sleeves of the top, while the pants will be black and a cap will feature the colours of both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on the brim. The kit was designed by Aunty Fiona Clarke and Courtney Hagen, in collaboration with Asics, with the pair having previously worked together on other Indigenous designs worn by Australia," said a report in cricket.com.au on Wedneday.

As in previous designs, the Walkabout Wickets artwork that has become a prominent motif is again central on the front of the shirt, said the report.

"Walkabout Wickets was painted by Clarke, a Kirrae Whurrong woman who is the great great grand-daughter of James 'Mosquito' Couzens, who played in the Aboriginal XI in a landmark match at the MCG in 1866, and also toured England in 1868, the first sporting team from Australia to play abroad," added the report.

The report added that Clarke created the artwork ahead of the 2016 Boxing Day Test to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 1866 match, and it has been included on the collar of the Test shirt ever since.

The jersey pays tribute to the past, present and emerging First Nations cricketers, and connection is an important theme for the kit.

"The overall design is to do with the process of connecting with yourself as an individual, as a team, in the community and whatever is surrounded by you ... with the river, the land, whatever you see," said Clarke.

Hagen, a Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi woman, said the design incorporated wickets to represent games played, and stars to signify ancestors.

"In the middle we've been able to incorporate the colours of the both of First Nations flags in Australia. So you've got the red, black and yellow, which is represents Aboriginal flag and the blue, white and green which represents the Torres Strait Islander flag."

Four Indigenous men and two Indigenous women have so far donned Australia colours in international cricket since the first Test in 1877.

The countries which are yet to unveil their jerseys include, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, West Indies and Zimbabwe.


ICC T20 World Cup (First round)

Group A: Sri Lanka, Namibia, UAE, Netherlands.

Group B: West Indies, Scotland, Ireland, Zimbabwe.


Super 12 stage

Group 1: Australia, Afghanistan, England, New Zealand, A1, B2

Group 2: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, South Africa, B1, A2

--IANS

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