Ansett Australia Centenary of Federation Test match
Australia's cricketers will wear specially produced playing caps to mark the Centenary of Federation during the forthcoming Ansett Australia Test match against the West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on Tuesday.
And they will also receive a Centenary of Federation six-coin proof set produced by the Royal Australian Mint.
The specially produced caps include gold braid and the words "Centenary of Federation Test Match 2001" underneath the coat of arms, while the coins come in a specially printed presentation pack.
Both the caps, which will be presented to the players by the Prime Minister, The Honorable John Howard, MP before the Test match begins on Tuesday morning, and the coins are designed to draw attention to Australia's Centenary of Federation which takes place in 2001.
Cricket's position as an integral part of the Australian culture even before Federation makes it an appropriate choice to be part of the celebrations.
The Sydney Cricket Ground, too, is an appropriate choice as the location to host a match in honor of the occasion. It was on the same ground one hundred years ago that New South Wales played South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match used to mark Federation.
The Ansett Australia Centenary of Federation Test Match in Sydney was chosen to be part of the current celebrations following discussions between the National Council for the Centenary of Federation and the Australian Cricket Board (ACB).
The Ansett Australia Centenary of Federation Test Match is one of a host of events that will take place right across the country throughout the year to celebrate the Centenary.
Major "centrepiece" events, attracting Australia-wide and international interest, will be held in each State and Territory, with the focus moving around the country at various times throughout the year.
ACB Chairman Denis Rogers said: "It is a huge honor for Australian cricket to host a Test match that plays a major part in marking the Centenary of Federation.
"Cricket has a special place in Australia's history and so the Australian Cricket Board is delighted to be associated with the celebrations that highlight an event as significant as the Centenary of Federation.
"In recognition of this unique occasion we have struck special playing caps to commemorate the occasion and we are honored the Prime Minister has agreed to present them to the players," added Mr Rogers.
Australian captain Stephen Waugh said: "The Australian team is well aware of history and it is a proud moment for all the players to be involved in the Centenary of Federation by playing in this Ansett Australia Test match named in its honor.
"The Centenary of Federation playing caps are a special part of that honor and they are something I know we will all treasure, just as we did last January when we received skull caps to mark the first Test of the new century.
"We are equally grateful that the Royal Australian Mint has chosen to present with coins to mark such a momentous occasion," added Waugh.
The Albion Hat and Cap Company, the same company that produces the famous "baggy green", have manufactured the caps.
Albion also produced the distinctive "skull cap", worn by Stephen Waugh's side in last summer's Ansett Australia Test match in Sydney to mark the first Test of the twenty-first century and based on the caps worn by Australian players one hundred years earlier.
The coins, produced by Australia's national mint to celebrate the Centenary of Federation, will be issued to the players and officials of both the Australian and West Indies sides.
The specially printed box-set bears the wording: "Celebrating the Ansett Australia Centenary of Federation Test Match between Australia and the West Indies, January 2 - 6 2001."
The set includes the 50c coin featuring the official Australian Coat of Arms emblazoned in full color while the $1 coin displays the Centenary of Federation logo in red and blue.
The 5c, 10c and 20c coins designed by Stuart Devlin and the $2 coin designed by Horst Hahne are the original circulating designs and are arranged in the shape of the Southern Cross.
All coins in the set are struck to the highest minting quality, with a raised, frosted design on a smooth, mirror-like background.
During the lunch interval on the first day of the Ansett Australia Centenary of Federation Test Match poet Rupert McCall will read a composition entitled "One Hundred Years of Heroes."
A Centenary of Federation video will also be shown on the giant video screen and roaming performers will reflect a flavor of the past, while there will be musical entertainment of a more modern variety from GANGajang and Greg Hind.
© 2001 Australian Cricket Board
| Teams | Australia, West Indies. |
| Tours | West Indies in Australia |
| Grounds | Sydney Cricket Ground |
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