Photo Credit: Nigel Hunt/Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia has today unveiled new international uniforms for the Australian men’s and women’s cricket teams for the next two seasons.
Produced by apparel partner ASICS, it will be the first time that all kits will incorporate a First Nations design.
The uniform features the Walkabout Wickets artwork by Aunty Fiona Clarke. The Walkabout Wickets artwork pays tribute to the pioneering cricketers of the team that toured England in 1868 and acknowledges the long relationship First Nations Peoples have had with cricket.
Both men’s and women’s teams will wear yellow for One-Day International matches while a green kit will be worn for T20 International matches. Each kit features a consistent green trim on the sleeve.
The new ASICS uniforms include various design updates like increased airflow through ventilated mesh panels and more freedom of movement through the new pro fit design.
Aunty Fiona Clarke – a direct descendant of late cricketer ‘Mosquito’ Couzens from the First XI – said she was proud the Walkabout Wickets artwork would feature on all three Australian uniforms.
“The Walkabout Wickets is to do with the past, present, and future. It’s talking about the cricket Walkabout team that first went to England in 1868,” Aunty Fiona said.
“It’s great that the artwork will feature on the men’s and women’s uniforms.”
Australian fast bowler and ASICS Ambassador Mitchell Starc said he was looking forward to wearing the new kits:
“I think it’s great having the Indigenous artwork on the kit. We’ve been pushing for that for a long time and now to have it represented on the uniform for all three formats is fantastic,” Starc said.
“Whether we’re going to the hot climate of the subcontinent or into colder weather over in England, ASICS are able to create apparel that leads the way in comfort and performance.”
Australian wicketkeeper and ASICS Ambassador Alyssa Healy said:
“We’ve had the Walkabout Wickets logo on our collars for a little while, but to have the Indigenous design completely embedded in our kits is amazing.
“Wearing the Australian kit means everything to us, it’s what we were striving for as kids playing in the backyard. It never gets lost on us how special it is.”
ASICS Managing Director, Mark Brunton said:
“ASICS is excited to release the new international uniforms for the Australian men’s and women’s cricket teams for the next two seasons.
“At ASICS we believe in the positive power of sport and movement – that it can transform us individually and as a community, that it can uplift our minds and bodies.
“Seeing the Australian teams run out in the new uniform is a proud moment at ASICS and we are delighted to have the opportunity to incorporate the First Nations design into all three formats.”
The replica range is now available to purchase from shop.cricket.com.au
