Ash Gardner lauds Cricket Australia's 'really special' indigenous uniform

"If you have a goal and you have drive, you can do it."

That's why the indigenous-inspired uniform she and her Australian teammates will wear against England in their Twenty20 tri-series clash at Manuka Oval on Saturday means so much.

Because she is the national side's lone Aboriginal player. Because indigenous youths in the ACT are 12 times more likely to be under supervision in the youth justice system than non-indigenous youths.

The strip provides Cricket Australia with a tool for reconciliation, and it is one Gardner wants to wear more often.

"I'd obviously love to from a personal perspective. Being from an Aboriginal heritage, it's closer to me than anyone else," Gardner said.

"Going forward, hopefully this can be a yearly thing. There's obviously talks for it to happen in our domestic season in the WBBL. If it was able to happen, it would be a really big move for Cricket Australia.

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"It just shows indigenous kids in particular that it can be done and they can play at the highest level.

"That's something I have always tried to speak about, if you have a goal and you have drive, you can do it. It shows those kids it can be done.

"To have this uniform, it's a pretty special thing for indigenous kids who are aspiring to be cricketers or to play any sport, they can play at the highest level.

"Just to see some of their role models wearing a pretty cool design is a really special thing.

"We're the first ever female or male team to wear this in the cricket space so it's really exciting to be a part of that. To connect sport and culture is a really important thing going forward."

The walkabout wickets logo represents Lord's, meeting places and the game's move forward. The stumps signify Aboriginal cricketers beating England at their own game.

The yellow-orange-ochre transition symbolises the connection to country and being grounded. The stars are a nod to the 1868 Aboriginal team that toured England who provide guidance from above.

The belt wrapped around the shirt signifies stories of strength and resilience, passed down to descendants of the 1868 team's journey.

Now Australia's current crop are on a journey towards what they hope will end in back-to-back World Cup triumphs after claiming the most recent instalment in the West Indies in 2018.

The tri-series against England and India is their final hit-out before the tournament begins.

It has left Australian batter Rachael Haynes and her teammates champing at the bit to make the most of their opportunities as the race for spots in the final XI heats up.

"There's always a really competitive atmosphere within our squad, but I guess more so with what's to come," Haynes said.

"I've got no doubt people will put in some really good performances across this tri-series and really put their name forward for selection heading into the World Cup.

"It's huge. We've got the chance to play games against two of the best countries in the world, particularly in this form of cricket.

"It's a really wonderful opportunity for our whole squad to get a chance out in the middle heading into what will be a really important tournament."

TWENTY20 INTERNATIONAL TRI-SERIES

Saturday, February 1: Australia v England at Manuka Oval, 2.10pm.

Sunday, February 2: Australia v India at Manuka Oval, 2.10pm.