Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Players unanimous in decision to take a knee at all games during WBBL|06
Sydney Thunder’s players decided at a meeting held on the morning of their opening match of WBBL|06 that they would take a knee at all games in support of a global stance against racism.
Thunder captain Rachael Haynes said it was a unanimous decision to make the gesture before the first ball of a match is bowled.
“Essentially, the players have indicated they want us to take a knee in support of the stance against racism,” said Haynes.
“This is a tournament that attracts international players and is viewed all over the world, and we want to show we’re absolutely committed in our stance against racism.”
Photo Credit: Twitter profile photo of @RachaelHaynes
The view of the squad was Sydney Thunder also represents a vast multi-cultural population, and it was believed taking a knee would recognise the struggles various communities within its community endure.
The squad will still proudly participate in today’s pre-match barefoot Indigenous ceremony that was agreed upon on Saturday morning with the Sixers.
Haynes is a passionate advocate for all Australians to acknowledge the nation’s Indigenous history and culture, and she was pleased that each of the WBBL’s teams were unified in making a stand when the captains – and the competitions five Indigenous players, which included Thunder’s Hannah Darlington and Anika Learoyd – agreed to hold the ceremonies before the opening round’s matches.
“It was really important for leaders of all teams – and the playing cohort – that we were doing something that was symbolic and sensitive to the situation. I’m really pleased we’ll do this,” said Haynes on Saturday of the WBBL’s captain’s decision to conduct their own barefoot ceremonies before this weekend’s round.
“I think the great thing about it is it’s another learning opportunity, to understand why we’re recognising the piece of land we’re playing on and the people it belongs to.
“I feel really positive about it, and I’m glad the competition is united in its approach.”
Thunder and the Sixers will exchange Indigenous gifts before playing their crosstown derby at North Sydney Oval.
Thunder will give Sixers an Indigenous cricket bat which was designed by Indigenous artist, Todd Dorward – a proud Kullilli (south) man who has been an active member of the NSW Blind & Low Vision Cricket Team for many years.
The design of the bat represents community and inclusion: the blue/green circles decorating it are the waterholes; the red/yellow circles are the camps and meeting places.
Sydney Thunder WBBL|06 Tickets
Sunday 25 October | Vs Sydney Sixers | North Sydney Oval | 1:45PM
Saturday 31 October | Vs Adelaide Strikers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 12:15PM
Sunday 1 November | Vs Brisbane Heat | Sydney Showground Stadium | 10:20AM
Wednesday 4 November | Vs Perth Scorchers | Blacktown International Sportspark | 2:30PM
Wednesday 11 November | Vs Brisbane Heat | Blacktown International Sportspark | 7:05PM
Saturday 14 November | Vs Melbourne Stars | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:05PM
Sunday 15 November | Vs Perth Scorchers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 10:20AM
Wednesday 18 November | Vs Sydney Sixers | Blacktown International Sportspark | 7:05PM
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Name of Author: Sydney Thunder
The Sydney Thunder is an Australian professional cricket team competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Based at Sydney Showground Stadium, the Thunder, along with the Sydney Sixers, succeeded the New South Wales Blues from the defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.
