Australian Story: Feb 15

Monday’s Australian Story returns to the story of Barry “Nugget” Rees who for nearly six decades has been revered and nurtured by Australia’s cricketing elite.

This episode is introduced by Adam Gilchrist.

Nugget Rees’ story was first revealed on Australian Story nine years ago. From the most unlikely circumstances he rose to become the trusted confidante and companion of cricket’s biggest names – led by every Australian captain from the Chappell brothers, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke through to the current team under Steve Smith and David Warner.

Nugget has toured at least once a year with the Australian and South Australian teams. He wears the team’s uniform, stands for the National Anthem alongside the captain and has been there on the inside for many of the greatest moments in Australian cricketing history.

When Steve Waugh padded up for his last test, Nugget was flown in specially to be at the game. And while Waugh was batting for the final time, it was Nugget who had the honour of walking the drinks onto the field decked out in cricketing whites and the famous baggy green.

When much-loved teammate Phillip Hughes was killed in a tragic cricket accident 15 months ago, coach Darren Lehmann immediately called on Nugget to assist with the team’s healing.

Adam Gilchrist describes Lehmann’s actions in bringing Nugget on board at this time as a “masterstroke”.

Now in his seventies, Nugget still joins the teams when they are in Adelaide and participates in all their activities.

Current coach Darren Lehmann is leading a push to have a spectator stand at Adelaide Oval named after Barry “Nugget” Rees in honour of his contribution to both AFL and cricket.

Monday February 15 at 8pm on ABC.