Earlier today, Australian skipper Pat Cummins backed Cricket Australia (CA) and their decision to not celebrate Australia Day during the AUS vs WI 2nd Test at the Gabba. His comments on the issue have divided everyone, with some appreciating him speaking out while others labeling him as ‘woke’.
But what did Pat Cummins say, and what exactly is Australia Day?
Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. It is celebrated on January 26 to commemorate the First Fleet landing at Sydney Cove in 1788. To know what Cummins said about it, one must know it is an issue that divides people.
For indigenous people in Australia, the day symbolizes colonialism. Several cricketers, including Jason Gillespie and Ash Gardner, have backed Cricket Australia and Pat Cummins in honoring Australia’s indigenous community by not celebrating Australia Day.
Jason Gillespie on Australia Day celebration at the Gabba
Speaking on the topic, Gillespie, who himself belongs to the indigenous community said:
“There is surely another day in the calendar that we can celebrate Australia Day.’’
“I find it frustrating when people say it’s always been January 26 when history clearly shows it simply has not.
“We’ve had a number of different days as Australia Day over the journey.
“I don’t understand why people are so hung up on January 26 when it clearly is a day that First Nations people find difficult to get around and be positive about.”
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