Jason Gillespie backs Cricket Australia’s January 26 snub, renews calls to change the date

Indigenous star Jason Gillespie has backed Cricket Australia’s stance over January 26, with Dizzy renewing his call to change the date to one which “all Australians can be a part of”.

Indigenous Test star Jason Gillespie has spoken out in favour of a new date for Australia Day as Cricket Australia’s plans for the day sparked a passionate public debate.

Australia Day falls on the second day of the second Test against the West Indies in Brisbane on Friday and CA attempted what it felt would be an inclusive approach on the day by acknowledging the people who celebrate it and others who consider it a day of mourning.

However, CA’s decision not to mention the words “Australia Day’’ in its pre-planned ground announcement has polarised readers.

More than 1200 people expressed a variety of views to this masthead – some of whom were angrily opposed to the move – after CA’s stance was revealed on Sunday.

Former Test fast-bowling star Gillespie, who alongside Scott Boland are the only male Indigenous Test cricketers Australia has produced in the 146-year history of the five-day game, feels the wider issue of the placement of Australia Day on January 26 is one the nation must address.

Australian cricket great and current Strikers coach Jason Gillespie in the Strikers’ Indigenous outfit at the Adelaide Oval earlier this year. Picture: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images.

“There is surely another day in the calendar that we can celebrate Australia Day,’’ Gillespie said.

“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.’’

The first official Australia Day was held on July 30, 1915, when functions were held Australia wide to raise funds for the World War I effort.

January 26 has only been a nationwide Australia Day public holiday since 1994.

“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,’’ Gillespie said.

Australia Day commemorates the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 at Sydney Cove, an event of mourning for many Indigenous Australians who consider it the start of the British “invasion”.

“I’ve always felt that January 26 is not an appropriate day for obvious reasons,’’ Gillespie said.

“However, I like to sit back and reflect and be grateful that my family and friends are safe and happy.

“In my opinion, another date would be best so that all Australians can feel part of it.’’

CA consulted with its Indigenous advisory board (NATSICAC) in the lead-up to both the scheduling and the commemoration of January 26.

The move to schedule the Test over the Australia Day holiday was itself controversial.

Star Australian women’s all-rounder Ash Gardner criticises the decision to play cricket on the day.

Originally published as Jason Gillespie backs Cricket Australia’s January 26 snub, renews calls to change the date