The Australian cricket summer began on Friday (November 27) at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) with the touring Indian players joining the hosts in creating a 'barefoot circle' as a collaborated act in support of anti-racism movement. 

With their gesture, the two squads acknowledged Australia's indigenous culture as well before the much-anticipated first ODI. 

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The 'barefoot circle', as vice-captain Pat Cummins had said, is Australia's way of demonstrating support to those who have had to suffer because of racial discrimination. It's a sign of reconnecting with the country's Aboriginal heritage. 

Additionally, two teams are wearing blackarm bands in the memory of former Australian players, Phillip Hughes and Dean Jones. 

This day remains infamous for one of the most tragic moments seen on a cricket field when Hughes fell down after a dangerous bouncer blow to his head while batting in a 2014 Sheffield Shield game. The highly-talented left-hander passed away soon. 

Jones took his last breath in September after collapsing with a sudden heart attack in a hotel in Mumbai where he was covering the IPL 2020 as an expert for Star Sports. 

The 'barefoot circle' is also a response to the criticism which the Australian team faced for their stance not to take a knee in favour of the 'Black Lives Matter' campaign during their tour of UK. 

The Australian women's team started the initiative when they hosted New Zealand and the gesture was last week repeated by Shield teams as well as the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) sides. 

(Inputs from PTI)