ASICS has launched the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup shirt for the Australian men’s team, paying homage to First Nations Cricket team Aboriginal XI, which represented Australia in England in 1868.
ASICS and Cricket Australia worked with Kirrae Whurrong artist Aunty Fiona Clarke, and Butchulla/Gubbi Gubbi woman Courtney Hagen, to design the shirt’s artwork.
With the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup being hosted by Australia on home soil, Aunty Clarke said this provides and opportunity to represent the past, present and emerging First Nation’s cricketers.
“The artwork aims to symbolise connection for each individual to themselves, their team, their community and the country that surrounds them,” Clarke said.
Clarke is a direct descendant of late cricketer 'Mosquito' Couzens from the First XI.
The new ASICS uniform is the first of its kind to feature a First Nations design at a Cricket World Cup.
The shirt’s latest technical enhancements include a comfortable, lightweight performance polyester fit, contrast mesh panelling for breathability and a clean round neck opening.
“The shirt has the ability to uplift and bring supporters together, and we hope that this inspires and uplifts the players when they pull on the shirt and feel that connection with Australian fans,” ASICS MD for Oceania Mark Brunton said.
“ASICS is proud to have partnered with Cricket Australia to create a shirt incorporating performance and technical benefits paired with the First Nations design.”
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc said his team will be the first cricket team to wear a First Nations jersey at a world event.
“We are very proud to be wearing a First Nations themed kit for the upcoming T20 World Cup,” Starc said.
“The First XI team is an important part of cricket’s history and we are honoured that through this kit, we will share their story and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples and cultures on the world stage.”
The 2022 official replica Men’s T20 World Cup shirt and cap are available in-store and online; go to www.asics.com for stockists.
‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and is the platform on which the brand still stands.
The company was founded 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka.