Teenage Kamilaroi cricketer becomes third Indigenous woman to represent Australia

Nineteen-year-old Hannah Darlington follows in the footsteps of Faith Thomas and Ashleigh Gardner - who presented her cap this morning.

Hannah Darlington of Australia is presented with her cap by Ashleigh Gardner before game one of the Women's ODI series between Australia and India Source: Getty Images AsiaPac

A Kamilaroi teenager who grew up in Western Sydney has become just the third Indigenous woman to represent Australia at the senior level in cricket.    

Nineteen-year-old Hannah received cap number 145 from fellow First Nations star, Ashleigh Gardner as Australia opened its seven-match campaign against India in Mackay. 

“You continue to inspire the next generation of Aboriginal kids, and show them there’s a real pathway to play at the highest level”, Gardner said of the debutant. 

She joins Muruwari woman Gardner and Faith Thomas, who in 1958, became the first Indigenous Australian female to represent the country in any international sport. 

Darlington, who plays for the Sydney Thunder, has taken 35 wickets across the past two Women's Big Bash League seasons.  

With Australia chasing a 25^th straight One Day victory, the teenager received the call-up following the absence of the world’s top two ranked bowlers, Jess Jonassen and Megan Schutt. 

Darlington is known for her change of pace and stump-to-stump bowling. 

The former Australia Under 19 all-rounder previously captained the NSW Indigenous side.

Hannah Darlington of Australia is presented with her cap before game one of the Women's ODI series between Australia and India. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac