Squads confirmed for third National Indigenous Cricket Training camp, and T20s on the MCG

Jarred Cross Published October 17, 2025 at 2.05pm (AWST)

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The initiative brings some of the best current and emerging Indigenous cricketers to Naarm for an intensive week of training, cultural activities and play. 2024 match v MCC XI pictured. Image: Joshua Scott.

Two months out from a blockbuster Ashes Boxing Day Test, a group of the country's established and emerging Indigenous cricketers are preparing to run out on the MCG for back-to-back fixtures.

The National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp returns to Naarm for the third consecutive summer next week, with men's and women's development squads picked from around the country set to take part in a week-long schedule of training, cultural activity matchplay.

Among the groups are National Indigenous Cricket Championships and National Indigenous XI representatives, state premier players and rising talents climbing up the ranks towards First class and List A cricket.

During last year's camp, off the back of working into Queensland's white ball side the previous summer, keeper-batter Dylan McLachlan hit a rapid 93 against the MCC XI on the 'G, with Gamilaroi quick Charlie Anderson in the men's squad shortly before selection in the CA XI and Prime Minister's XI to bowl against touring sides.

*Dylan McLachlan hits through the leg side during last year's T20 against the MCC XI (Image: Joshua Scott)*

Returning in the women's squad in 2025 is recent Queensland T20 max top wicket taker and team of the tournament pick Grace Abdy, alongside NICC-experienced Callee Black, Aimee Ravot, Charlotte Toohey, Tahlia Meier, among others.

Cricket Australia head of cricket James Allsop said the camp has become an important part of the sport's annual calendar

"We are committed to ensuring more Aboriginal and Torries Strait Islanders enter our elite pathways and this camp will provide important experience and exposure for talented young players as they continue their careers," he said.

"Along with other initiatives, including the National Indigenous Cricket Championships and investment in participation programs, we are seeing some increases in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players reaching the elite levels of the game, and we hope this camp will foster growth."

The camp comes via a CA and Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation partnership.

As well as providing the opportunity to play on the 'home of cricket' and towering stands, the camp is billed as an effort to both improve opportunities for top Indigenous talent, and to ease the transition into elite pathways.

"This initiative offers an opportunity for talented cricketers to strengthen their skills and pursue their sporting dreams, providing them with the rare opportunity to train and play on the hallowed turf of the MCG," MCC Foundation Chair Christian Johnson said.

"I look forward to watching the participants in action next week and continuing to follow them as they progress on their cricketing journey."

The sole Northern Territory representative at the camp is Garawa and Waanyi teenager and fast bowler Harrison Johnny.

The 16-year-old is the NT's first male player selected for the camp.

Harrison began garnering attention with impressive showings at last year's Imparja Cup, before featuring in the NT's squad at April's NICCs in Mackay.

"Harrison is a great example of what can happen when natural ability meets opportunity," NT Cricket pathways and talent development coach Trent Keep said.

"His selection for the National Indigenous Cricket Training Camp at the MCG is another step in his development. It's also a reminder to other young Indigenous players that the journey from local cricket to national representation can begin right here in the NT."

The women's squad lodged a convincing nine wicket win over the Victorian Premier Cricket outfit the MCC XI in last year's T20. The men's player out in a nailbiting, with the Indigenous side falling single run short in their chase.

The camp runs from 20-24 October.

National Indigenous Development Squad (women's)

Callee Black (Wiradjuri/NSW), Maddison Spence (Wiradjuri/NSW), Dharmini Chauhan (Wiradjuri/NSW), Carys Underwood (Kaomu/Qld), Grace Abdy (Waanyi Ganggalida/Qld), Anne Dubois (Arrente/SA), Aimee Ravot (Wiradjuri/NSW), Mahlie Bennett (Wiradjuri/Qld), Tahlia Meier (Wamba Wamba/Vic), Merinda Hale (Yorta Yorta/Vic), Charlotte Toohey (Whadjuk/WA), Veronica Keen (Badimia/WA), Elsie Simpson (Kurnai /WA).

National Indigenous Development Squad (men's)

Harrison Johnny (Garawa Waanyi/NT), Banjo Seaniger (Dharug/Qld), Cruz Baker (Dharag/Qld), Jacob Prien (Juru & Bindal/Qld), Elijah Dare (Wiradjuri/WA), Jacob Turner (MbarBarram/Qld), Hayden Collins (Nyikina/WA), Jackson Gillespie (Kamilaroi/SA), Bailey Toseland (Taungurung /Vic), Brayden Devries (Palawa/Tas), Blake Smith (Wiradjuri/NSW), Liam Connors (Gamilaraay/SA), Ethan Fitzpatrick (Ngunnawal/NSW/ACT), Brock Larance (Biripi/WA)