Aussies set to take the field in collarless attires

Sydney, Sep 5 (UNI) The Aussies are set to become the first team to take the field in collarless uniforms after Cricket Australia today unveiled the new ODI attire for Ricky Ponting's men that seeks to pay tribute to the country's best known symbol of the game, the 'baggy green'.

The colour of the uniform has been inspired by feedback from the players, who identified the 'baggy green' as the most iconic symbol in Australian cricket and uniform manufacturer adidas has colour matched the fabric to an original baggy green cap.

The players' names and numbers, the stars of the southern cross and the adidas branding have all been executed in metallic gold.

Apart from being the world's first collarless cricket shirt, the uniform also comes with a sun protection neck-line.

Mesh will hold the neck together and will prevent the shirt from falling down the back of the player's neck, when they unzip it for ventilation.

Meanwhile, in another first, Aussie cricket fans, who purchase the new ODI shirt this summer, will have an opportunity to participate in one of three giant team photos to be taken with the Australian Cricket Team around in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

''I know all the boys are really excited about the new look as it really is a true green and gold uniform. These team photo events will acknowledge the contribution of our supporters, symbolising that they are truly part of the Australian team,'' captain Ricky Ponting said on the new initiatives.

''The players also worked really closely with adidas on what performance features were important in the uniform, so the end result really reflects what we need out in the middle,'' he added.

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