Jake stays hopeful Australia's cricket team will soon have an indigenous player

THE search for an Aboriginal cricketer to play on the national stage is on.

Jake Turner

THE search for an Aboriginal cricketer to play on the national stage is on and Easts Dolphins have 22-year-old paceman Jake Turner in the mix.

Turner has recently returned from representing New South Wales in the Imparja Cup in Alice Springs.

After being a part of the winning team in 2012, Turner again played a starring role for NSW who were beaten in the final.

"The standard has improved each year and the tournament seems to be growing in stature as well," Turner said.

"Unfortunately we missed out on winning but it was a great experience overall and you feel proud to represent your state's indigenous people."

Asked if Australia where far away from having an Aboriginal representative in the side Turner was remaining hopeful.

"With the programs in place and increased money being put into programs you'd think it will happen at some stage," he said.

"At the moment there isn't any obvious guy who is putting his hand up.

"But there is a pathway out there now for Aboriginal kids to be recognised through tournaments like the Imparja Cup."

Originally hailing from Glen Innes in the far north of the state, Turner came to Easts at age 18 to further his cricket development.

The left-armer has now been a part of the first grade side for three seasons, but injuries have disrupted his 2012-13 campaign.