Southern Stars all rounder Ashleigh Gardener has revealed the "surreal" feeling of becoming a role model for Indigenous youth.
It's a responsibility Gardner, who is only the second Indigenous woman to represent Australia in cricket, takes very seriously.
Gardner's mother was brought up in a foster home, so the 23-year-old has emphasised reclaiming an understanding of her culture.
“It is an awesome feeling walking out on to the field knowing I am representing my country but also my culture and my people,” Gardner told BBC Sport.
“With my mum’s upbringing, she was quite disconnected to her family having been brought up in a foster care home,” Gardner said. “She is still learning about our culture and our family.
“I have my tribe name tattooed on my arm so when I am out batting there is always a reminder I am doing it not only for myself but for my family and my culture.
“I am very proud of my culture. I continue to learn about it and I am really excited to know more so I can tell people my family’s story.”
Gardner has worked hard to not only deepen her own knowledge of Indigenous culture, but to assist her teammates in forming a greater understanding as well, organising a community elder to speak to the Southern Stars after her first cap.
“To have that tag is a surreal thing,” Gardner said.
“It is a humbling thing to know that there are kids and people of all ages that could look to me for inspiration or to play cricket like I do.
“It is a pretty cool feeling knowing I am a role model for people in the aboriginal community for whatever sport they play.”
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