The Aboriginal coach of the ATSIC Chairman's XI today blasted an "elitist" culture within cricket and called for the dismantling of barriers that prevent young indigenous people getting into the game.

Geoff Sloane, a long-time Canberra player and coach, slammed the game for being run by people who made Aborigines and others feel they were not part of the sport.

The ATSIC Chairman's XI defeated the Prime Minister's XI by seven wickets in an historic 40-overs-a-side match at Manuka Oval here today.

Sloane said the game had to be followed up with concrete measures, particularly from the Australian Cricket Board (ACB).

"It's OK to come down here and have a fantastic day and celebrate reconciliation in sport and also celebrating the 1868 team (the first Australian side to tour overseas)," he told reporters.

"But we want to see that (cricket authorities) start getting development officers, sending them out into the communities and start really pushing to get young indigenous youth back into cricket.

"You can see the talent that we showcased today. We've got a lot more than that."

Sloane said there were few first class facilities available to indigenous youth and there was also a class barrier to be broken down.

"Cricket is a more elitist sort of sport. Coming from England you'll find that it was always the class system, you played for the school and it was a big thing," he said.

"You'll find that people who try to break into that culture were subjugated to lesser people within the cricket hierarchy.

"People get entrenched within cricket. They think that they own the clubs. If you're not a local or a brother or cousin within that cycle, they make you feel you're not part of that process."

The success of the day, with a sprinkling of Aboriginal and other celebrities taking part and Prime Minister John Howard's promise it would become an annual event, was highlighted by the efforts of the Dann brothers from Perth.

In reply to the PM's XI innings of 9-194 inspired by Timothy Dann's 74, the ATSIC Chairman's side reached 3-195 with just three balls to spare.

Dann's older brother Clinton steered the ATSIC Chairman's side to victory with an unbeaten 87 which won him the man of the match award.

The only blot on the day was that PM's XI skipper Steve Waugh was unable to finish out the game due to migraine headaches.

Clinton Dann, an A grade Perth player, said the day was an important stepping stone.

"I think we are getting on, it's so obvious. The game itself was played in high spirits. Everyone got on.

"I rate Steve Waugh as probably the best ever cricketer and to play against him was sensational. In a way I wish I was playing on his side."

NSW state player Mark Higgs, who captained the PM's side in Waugh's absence, said the day was a big one for Aboriginal people.

"My cricket coach is an Aboriginal named Ian King. He's helped me since I was probably 12 years old so, in a way, I've had a lot to do with it and I've got a lot of friends who are Aboriginal," Higgs said.

"Growing up with them and knowing the problems they've had coming through the sporting ranks, I think it is a great day for the Aboriginal Australians."

© 2001 AAP