Faith Thomas, the first Indigenous Australian to play in a recognised Test match for Australia, has died at the age of 90.
Renowned as one of the fastest bowlers in the women’s game, Thomas played her first and only Test for Australia against England at Melbourne’s Junction Oval in 1958.
Thomas remains one of just four Indigenous Australians to have played in Test for Australia, alongside Jason Gillespie, Ash Gardner and Scott Boland.
“Faith Thomas made a wonderful and groundbreaking contribution to cricket and the community, and this is a very sad day for all those fortunate to have known her or who were touched by her many accomplishments,” Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said.
“As the first Aboriginal woman to represent Australia in Test cricket, Faith was an inspiration to those who have followed and she leaves an indelible mark on the game.
“Faith’s work in the community in many roles including as a nurse and midwife was also immense, and the care and compassion she displayed for the many people she helped was truly remarkable.
“On behalf of everyone across Australian Cricket, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Faith’s family, friends, teammates and all those who have benefited from her vast contribution to Australian life.”
Thomas was born in Nepabunna in 1933, was a survivor of the Stolen Generations and was raised at Colebrook Home in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges.
Outside of cricket, she was one of the first Aboriginal college graduates in the country and one of the first Indigenous nurses in South Australia.
South Australian Cricket Association president William Rayner said her impact was impossible to measure.
“Faith Thomas’s story is as inspiring as it is incredible,” he said.
“A leader across medicine, sport, reconciliation and so much more, Aunty Faith created footprints that others have had the opportunity to follow in the decades since.
“A brilliantly unique and successful cricketer, Aunty Faith’s journey was never simply about personal achievement – instead she always sought ways to improve the lives of others.
“Aunty Faith will be greatly missed, but such is the impact she has had on this country, she will forever be remembered and honoured for the way she lived her life.”
In 2019, Thomas was awarded the Order of Australia for her services to cricket and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. (ABC)