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Cricket Australia's Indigenous leader Justin Mohamed hopes Scott Boland will inspire after becoming just the second Aboriginal man to play Test cricket.
Scott Boland's Boxing Day Test debut could pave the way for the next generation of Indigenous cricketers.
The Victorian quick entered rare company at the MCG on Sunday when he was presented with his Baggy Green by injured star Josh Hazlewood.
Boland is only the second Indigenous man to play Test cricket for Australia, after decorated paceman Jason Gillespie.
The 32-year-old was recognised as Australia's 463rd Test cricketer before play in a special Welcome To Country.
An Aboriginal XI famously toured England in 1868 but in the 153 years since, First Nations Australians have not always had a natural pathway into cricket.
Even though Gillespie became a genuine star to finish his decade-long international career with 259 Test wickets, it has taken another 25 years for an Indigenous man to debut.
But Boland, who hails from the Gulidjan tribe in the Colac area of Victoria, is set to become an inspiration after reaching the pinnacle in Australian cricket.
"Hopefully it's just the start of something big for the Indigenous community with cricket, and if I can be a role model for young Indigenous kids to want to play cricket, that's a good thing," he said.
"Hopefully the more cricket and exposure we can give Indigenous cricketers then the (participation) numbers will improve."
Ashleigh Gardner has become a staple of Australia's women's team, while Faith Thomas played one Test in 1958.
Cricket Australia's Indigenous advisory chair Justin Mohamed wants the sport to continue to find ways to be an inclusive and safe space.
"Aboriginal people, where they've excelled, they've gone to sports where they feel there's an opportunity like AFL, rugby league, boxing," Cricket Australia's Indigenous advisory chair Justin Mohamed said.
"For some reason, that hasn't been seen as a genuine opportunity in cricket and that's what we're hoping to change.
"You hear of cricketers that have come through that came to the MCG and watched Dennis Lillee or Jeff Thomson who inspired them.
"You hear of athletes who said they saw Cathy Freeman in 2000 (at the Sydney Olympics) and that's inspired them to be the next Olympian.
"Hopefully there will be the six, eight or 10-year-old watching something like this and saying 'that's what I want to do'.
"It's a magnificent day for Scott, it's a magnificent day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders because he's obviously representing himself and his family but also a representation of people who are so proud."
Boland is also the first Victorian to make his Test debut in the marquee MCG Boxing Day fixture since Tony Dodemaide, who is now an Australian selector, in 1987.
The MCG crowd had no hesitation in chanting for Boland: "We love Scotty because he's a Victorian."
The right-arm quick claimed his first Test wicket when trapped England bowler Mark Wood lbw in the final session.
Boland finished with figures of 1-48 from 13 overs and took two outfield catches as England collapsed to be all out for 185.
