THE Sydney Thunder has announced its Indigenous XI squad, featuring Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens' Luke Jones, to take on the Hobart Hurricanes Indigenous XI in three T20 fixtures in Orange from November 27 to 28.
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Tyran Liddiard (Biripi) will again captain the Thunder Indigenous XI.
Liddiard has represented New South Wales at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships and was part of Australia's historic tour of the UK to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 1868 Aboriginal team's tour of the UK.
The talented wicketkeeper-batsman also became the first Indigenous player to be named Player of the McDonald's NSW Premier Cricket final in March.
Liddiard said he's excited about the next generation of players who have joined the Thunder Indigenous XI this year - a side has featured Luke's older brother Nate in the past.
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"It's amazing to see all the Indigenous talent coming through now in cricket," Liddiard said.
"For a long time now, we've really tried to get young kids playing cricket and to start seeing a few of them come up is amazing.
"It's really positive that, through cricket, we are able to lead by example and set a positive example for younger people.
"To be able to get such a young team together for Sydney Thunder and to all come together as one to play cricket is really special."
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The Indigenous T20 Cup aims to promote the importance of culture, connecting the players to their people and their community.
According to Liddiard, the cultural significance of the Indigenous T20 Cup is paramount to the playing group.
"We are all very proud to be able to go out there and play for our culture and for our family and for me, again, it is about setting an example for the younger boys and teaching them a little bit about culture and a little bit about cricket," Liddiard said.
"I think the main thing is just being able to be proud of our people and culture, and to be able to play cricket for our people is an such amazing opportunity, and for me to be able to lead that is something special.
"Culture to me is everything - I've known from a young age about my Indigenous background and where my mob is.
"For me, there couldn't be a prouder moment to be able to play cricket and represent my people and culture."
Jones, of the Eora mob, and his side will first on Wednesday, November 27 from 5pm at Wade Park, before matches at 10.30am and 2pm the following day.
The Hurricanes were victorious in last year's Indigenous T20 Cup, with a 2-1 series win.
