Ashleigh Gardner criticises scheduling of Australia's T20I game on January 26

Gardner is disappointed with CA's decision [Source: Twitter]

Indigenous all-rounder, Ashleigh Gardner has criticised Cricket Australia (CA) for scheduling a T20I match against Pakistan women on January 26.

Gardner, a Muruwari women, stated that the decision to host a T20I game on January 26 is not appropriate - on what is known as the Australia Day - when the first fleet arrived in 1788 and that is a day for 'mourning' and 'hurt' for the Indigenous people.

However, the 25-year-old said that she is available for the selection for the T20I game and will use her position to educate people about the history surrounding January 26.

"As a proud Muruwari woman and reflecting on what Jan 26 means to me and my people it is a day of hurt and a day of mourning," Gardner posted on social media on Sunday morning.

"My culture is something I hold close to my heart and something I'm always so proud to speak about whenever asked. I also am fortunate enough to play cricket for a living which is something I dreamt of as a kid.

"Unfortunately this year the Australian women's cricket team has been scheduled to play a game on the 26th of Jan which certainly doesn't sit well with me as an individual but also all the people I'm representing."

As per the tradition, the Aussie side will perform a barefoot ceremony before the match, and will wear a special Indigenous themed jersey to celebrate the day.

Gardner is one of the four Indigenous player to represent Australia. The other being Faith Thomas, Jason Gillespie, and Scott Boland.

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