Cricket Australia to honour indigenous pioneer during Boxing Day Test against India

The player of the match of the forthcoming Boxing Day Test between Australia and India will be awarded the Johnny Mullagh Medal as a tribute to honour the captain of Australia's first sports team to tour internationally. Johnny Mullagh was the leader of the 1868 Aborginal tour to the UK.

Cricket Australia posted on its official Twitter account:

The best player in the Boxing Day Test will now be awarded the Mullagh Medal #AUSvINDhttps://t.co/CNLsNaR6xY

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 20, 2020

On their 1868 tour, Johnny Mullagh, whose real name was Unaarrimin, led the Indigenous squad and participated in 45 matches out of 47 games. He was a professional and skillful all-rounder and, during the legendary 1868 tour, scored 1698 runs at an average of around 20.

1877 overs were also bowled by Johnny Mullagh, 831 of which were maidens, and 245 wickets were taken at 10 apiece. He also played the role of a part-time wicketkeeper and during his career he effected four stumpings. The medal is a recreation of the original belt buckle worn by the 1868 side.