Border Gavaskar Trophy: Cricket Australia to honour indigenous pioneer during the 2nd Test at MCG
The Man of the Match in the upcoming Boxing Day Test will be acknowledged with the Johnny Mullagh Medal as a tribute to honour the captain of Australia's first sporting team to tour internationally.
"The best player in the Boxing Day Test will be awarded the Mullagh Medal, named after the legendary Johnny Mullagh, captain of the 1868 cricket team who became the first Australian sporting team to tour internationally! #AUSvIND," Cricket Australia took to Twitter to inform everyone about this initiative.
The best player in the Boxing Day Test will be awarded the Mullagh Medal, named after the legendary Johnny Mullagh, captain of the 1868 cricket team who became the first Australian sporting team to tour internationally! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/3Ymx3QE4dS
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 21, 2020
Mullagh, whose real name was Unaarrimin, led the Indigenous squad in the iconic 1868 tour of the UK. The all-rounder scored 1698 runs at an average of 20. Apart from that, he bowled a total of 1877 overs - 831 of which were maidens.
Mullagh’s impact on the 1868 tour of the UK:
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 21, 2020
✅ 45 matches
✅ 1698 runs (71 innings)
✅ 1877 overs bowled (831 maidens)
✅ 257 wickets @ 10
✅ 4 stumpings
Mullagh also played in the 1866 Boxing Day match at the @MCG, and worked for the MCC in 1869/70 season! pic.twitter.com/fXk7WK2VI6
It is believed that the medal is a recreation of the original black belt worn by the team on that historic tour. Cricket Australia's initiative largely focuses on improving cricket's relationship with Australia's indigenous people. Earlier in the T20I series against India, the hosts sported an indigenous shirt as a mark of tribute.
After a dismal performance at the Adelaide Oval, the visitors will look to settle the scores in the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26.
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