Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Sydney Thunder have reclaimed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander T20 Cup
Sydney Thunder captain – and proud representative of the Waradjuri Mob – James Whiting was the standout performer in his team’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander T20 Cup triumph over the Melbourne Stars in Wednesday’s final.
Whiting, who plays for Blacktown in the NSW premier cricket competition, nailed 68 runs as his team ran down the 130-runs needed for victory in the competition staged at Albury-Wodonga.
While he celebrated Thunder’s successful defence of the trophy, Whiting said he was impressed to see the two Melbourne teams travel to the NSW-Victorian border. He described it as an important step in helping the game grow.
“It was great to be in a competitive environment with both new and familiar faces because it brings us closer as a group,” said Whiting. “Cricket is a great platform to not only bring our team together, but also people of all cultural heritages.
“That’s why I thought it was awesome to see Cricket Victoria join Cricket NSW in expanding the game amongst our Indigenous community”.
Whiting singled out Thunder teammate Jacob Murphy as a ‘serious talent’, and one who made the most of his opportunity to showcase his talent in a competitive environment.
NSW Men’s indigenous coach, Jeff Cook, said he was grateful to have the chance to guide and mentor both Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers representatives.
“The initiative of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander T20 Cup is to identify and give young players an opportunity to represent NSW in the National Indigenous Cricket Championships and further develop as a player and person,” he said.
Cricket NSW would like to thank Cricket Albury Wodonga, Cricket Victoria, the players, volunteers, and officials who help ensure events such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander T20 Cup are delivered successfully.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander T20 Cup uses cricket as the vehicle to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and is part of Cricket NSW’s ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as outlined in the Cricket NSW Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
