Cricketer Alana King explains why she is proud to represent a diverse country like Australia

Alana King’s parents may have come from India, but the cricketer has explained why she is true blue green and gold.

Whenever I get back to Melbourne for cricket, there’s one question my teammates always ask me: “Are we going for a feed at the Kings?”

My parents have become known for the Indian meals they put on when there’s a spare night during a tour in Victoria. I’ve tried to replicate Dad’s recipes at home in Perth and have been told they’re pretty close. Unfortunately, there’s nothing quite like the original.

It’s just a small snapshot of the multicultural part of Australia that to me makes this country so great.

Mum and Dad, or Sharon and Leroy as others might call them, immigrated from Chennai to Melbourne in the late 1980s. They had two kids, my older brother Marc and myself, and we got to grow up in this incredibly vibrant city.

Alana King is so proud to represent this incredibly diverse country. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Now, I’m representing Australia in the sport I love and taking any opportunity I can to share my family’s culture with teammates, support staff, or anyone else who is up for a chat or a feed.

I know when I play for the Australian cricket team, I’m representing far more than just my family and the teammates alongside me, but the millions of people who call this open and welcoming country home.

The appreciation truly kicks in when you’re playing in tournaments across the world.

Firstly, the coffee. It doesn’t get any better than the baristas in Australia. But, more importantly, you can’t take the entire experience of ordering your flat white or piccolo for granted.

You can walk around freely to your local cafe, something people in many places don’t have the luxury of doing. It’s also the fresh air, the beaches and the beautiful weather.

Alana King as a Melbourne Star in the Women's Big Bash League. Picture: Michael Dodge/Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Alana King at the 2023 Australian Cricket Awards. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

I love playing cricket internationally as a job. But nothing beats getting on that plane back after a big tour and knowing you’re coming back to your bed and pillow at home.

People still ask me who I’m supporting when Australia are playing India in men’s cricket. The recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy was the perfect example.

I don’t even hesitate: Australia. It leaves some people a bit gobsmacked. But as someone who was born here, and is lucky enough to live here, there’s never any doubt in my mind.

I’m so proud to represent this incredibly diverse country. Pulling on the green and gold shirt and running onto the field past the Australian flag is a privilege that is not lost on me. I can’t wait to do it for many more years to come.

Alana King is a member of the Australian women’s cricket team.