Indigenous Australians have a deep, complex history with cricket. Their involvement dates back to the 1800s, making cricket one of the first sports in which Aboriginal Australians gained international recognition.
In 1868, thirteen Aboriginal men from Victoria became the first Australian team of any kind to tour internationally. They played 47 matches across England, impressing large crowds with their skill and athleticism. The team was captained by Charles Lawrence, a white man, but all players were Aboriginal.
Despite their achievements, Indigenous Australians were excluded from much of Australian life, including elite sport. Yet cricket endured in Indigenous communities, and their passion for the game persisted through the decades.
Indigenous Australian Cricket Today
In recent years, Cricket Australia has acknowledged this rich history. Initiatives like the Reconciliation Action Plan, First Nations rounds, and cultural education programs have aimed to honor Indigenous players and create more inclusive pathways.
Today, a new generation of Indigenous cricketers is reshaping the sport. Below are ten players, six men and four women, who’ve made history and inspired future generations of Indigenous Australian cricketers.
The Six Greatest Indigenous Australian Male Cricketers
1. Johnny Mullagh (Unaarrimin): 1860s–1890s
Johnny Mullagh was the star of the 1868 Aboriginal team that toured England. An all-rounder, he scored over 1,600 runs and took nearly 250 wickets during the six-month tour. He continued playing into the 1890s and became a powerful symbol of Indigenous sporting excellence. In 2020, he was posthumously inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
2. Jason Gillespie: 1996–2006
Jason Gillespie, a Kamilaroi man, was the first acknowledged Indigenous cricketer to play for Australia at the elite level. A fast bowler, he played 71 Tests and 97 ODIs, taking 402 wickets. His most iconic moment came in 2006 when he scored 201 not out as a nightwatchman—still the highest score by a nightwatchman in Test history.
3. Dan Christian: 2010–2021
Dan Christian, of Wiradjuri heritage, was one of the most prominent T20 players in Australia. He represented Australia in both T20 and ODI formats and won multiple domestic titles. Off the field, he has been a strong advocate for Indigenous recognition, leading cultural initiatives and promoting reconciliation within cricket.
4. Scott Boland: 2014–present
Scott Boland, a proud Gulidjan man, made headlines with one of the greatest Test debuts in Ashes history. He took 6 for 7 at the MCG in 2021. He was only the second Indigenous man to play Test cricket for Australia and has since become a reliable and respected fast bowler.
5. D’Arcy Short: 2017–2021
D’Arcy Short, of Migunburri-Yuggera descent, made his mark in the Big Bash League with explosive batting and useful spin bowling. He represented Australia in T20Is and ODIs and was once ranked among the world’s best T20 batsmen. His talent and consistency helped raise the profile of Indigenous athletes in the shorter formats of the game.
6. Ash Doolan: 2013–2020
Ash Doolan, from the Yuin nation, made a strong impact in Indigenous and domestic cricket. He played as a top-order batter for the National Indigenous Squad and served as a mentor to younger players. His leadership in grassroots development continues to influence Indigenous participation in the sport.
Women’s Indigenous Australian Cricket
And, while Australia’s women’s cricket has long produced world-class athletes, the rise of Indigenous representation in the sport has been slower. Despite this, a few exceptional women have carved out space on the national and domestic stage, becoming both trailblazers and role models for future generations.
The Four Greatest Indigenous Australian Female Cricketers
1. Faith Thomas: 1958
Faith Thomas, of Adnyamathanha heritage, was the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in any sport. She played a Test match against England in 1958 as a fast bowler. Off the field, she worked as a nurse and midwife, often serving remote Indigenous communities. Cricket Australia now honors her legacy with the Faith Thomas Trophy, awarded during NAIDOC Week matches.
2. Ashleigh Gardner: 2017–present
Ashleigh Gardner is a proud Muruwari woman and one of the world’s top all-rounders. Since debuting in 2017, she has helped Australia win several T20 and ODI World Cups. Known for her explosive batting and sharp off spin, she is also a cultural leader. Gardner launched her own foundation to support Aboriginal youth through education and sport.
3. Hannah Darlington: 2020–present
Hannah Darlington, of Kamilaroi descent, burst onto the scene with the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL. She made her international debut in 2020 and became one of the youngest captains in league history. A calm, strategic bowler under pressure, she continues to grow as a leader and role model for Indigenous youth.
4. Anika Learoyd: 2021–present
Anika Learoyd, from Gumbaynggirr country, is a rising star in Australian cricket. She made her debut for New South Wales in 2021 and has also played for the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL. Known for her solid technique and top-order batting, Learoyd represents the future of Indigenous representation in women’s cricket.
The Future of Indigenous Australian Cricket
From Johnny Mullagh’s historic tour to Ashleigh Gardner’s World Cup wins, Indigenous Australians have made a lasting mark on cricket. These ten cricketers have not only performed at the highest level but have also opened doors for others.
Their contributions, both on and off the field, have advanced both the sport and the national conversation around inclusion, culture, and recognition. As more young Indigenous Australians take up the game, their legacy will only grow.
From Australian Indigenous Cricket to the Women of Afghanistan
Read more about the resilience of Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers, now living in Australia. The Afghanistan women’s national cricket team migrated to Australia after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Barred from international competition by the Taliban, they have formed the Afghan Women’s XI. Also, learn about the defiance of Afghan women athletes who marched at the 2023 Asian Games under a parallel Olympic committee. Read their story here.
