The decision to play the match in Hobart on "a day of hurt and a day of mourning" has come in for criticism from the second Indigenous women to play Test cricket for Australia
Ashleigh Gardner, the second Indigenous woman to play Test cricket for Australia, has attacked the decision to host the second T20I against Pakistan on January 26.
The day the first British fleet arrived at Sydney Harbour in 1788, triggering European colonisation - referred to by some as Australia Day - "is a day of hurt and a day of mourning" for Indigenous Australians said the allrounder.
Hobart's Bellerive Oval will host the fixture, which was approved as part of Cricket Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan, during which they consulted with an Indigenous advisory committee.
Australian Associated Press understand the squad were unhappy with the move, which came after the summer schedule was remodelled following the cancellation of the men's South Africa ODI series.
"As a proud Muruwari woman and reflecting on what Jan 26 means to me and my people it is a day of hurt and a day of mourning," Gardner said on social media.
Gardner is among four Indigenous cricketers to represent Australia in Tests (Albert Perez/Getty Images)
"My culture is something I hold close to my heart and something I'm always so proud to speak about whenever asked. I also am fortunate enough to play cricket for a living which is something I dreamt of as a kid.
"Unfortunately this year the Australian women's cricket team has been scheduled to play a game on the 26th of Jan which certainly doesn't sit well with me as an individual but also all the people I'm representing."
In response, teammates Jess Jonassen, Alana King and Hannah Darlington backed her position.
The off-spinning allrounder is among four Indigenous cricketers to represent Australia in Tests alongside Faith Thomas, Jason Gillespie and Scott Boland.
Gardner will remain available for the fixture in an effort to spread the message regarding the significance of the day.
Players will be part of a smoking ceremony before play in the second T20I (Mark Brake/Getty Images)
"My culture is something I hold close to my heart and something I'm always so proud to speak about whenever asked," the 25-year-old added.
"When I take the field for this game I will certainly be reflecting and thinking about all of my ancestors and peoples' lives who changed from this day."
Australia will perform a smoking ceremony before the match and embark on a walk around the local mountain Kunanyi to learn about the local community.
Additionally, they will also wear a special kit designed by two Indigenous women and have consulted with Dr Janine Mohamed, a Narrunga Kaurna woman and community leader, to educate themselves on the impact of January 26 on First Australians.
Australia Day references will not be used to promote the match, a decision which former Prime Minister Scott Morrison previously took issue with.
Australia face Pakistan in Sydney, Hobart and Canberra ahead of the T20 World Cup (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
The women's side last played on January 26 in 2016, while the men were in action on the date in 2019.
"Cricket Australia acknowledges 26 January is a day that has multiple meanings and evokes mixed feelings in communities across our richly diverse nation," a statement read.
"We respectfully acknowledge it is a challenging day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for some people, the day is regarded as a day of mourning.
"Cricket Australia understands and acknowledges Ash's position and appreciates her leadership and the contributions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the game of cricket.
"We will use the T20 International scheduled for 26 January as an opportunity to continue our ongoing education journey with First Nations people."
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