Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting To Lead Teams In Melbourne Bushfire Charity Match

Amid the continuous international season, the excitement around watching the legends squaring off against each other is one of the most enthralling sights that cricketing fans are looking forward to. Ahead of the Bushfire charity match on the 9th of February (Sunday) at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, the playing eleven or the squads for both teams have been announced. Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting will lead the two teams.

Former Australian captain Ponting will team up with the legendary Test opening pair of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer.

Along with their countrymen, the two-time World Cup-winner will also have the services of Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram and Brett Lee. Teenage cricketer sensation Phoebe Litchfield is understood to take the field with some of the greatest names in world cricket and would seek advice from the West Indian batting maestro Brian Lara.

Sachin Tendulkar will serve as the coach for Ponting’s XI.

Adam Gilchrist to lead his team in the absence of Shane Warne:

Australia’s highest Test wicket-taker Shane Warne will miss the clash on Sunday due to prior commitment with keeper-batsman Gilchrist set to lead the side.

The Western Australian will take the field alongside stalwarts like Yuvraj Singh, Andrew Symonds, and Courtney Walsh.

All-rounder Shane Watson and Brad Hodge are slated to open the innings while Gilchrist hinted that leggie Fawad Ahmed could play a significant role with the bat.

Current Australian Test captain Tim Paine would mentor the team.

“I’ve assumed the captaincy in Warnie’s absence unless a plane turns up. Fuzzy (Ahmed) is in. Put him at the top of the order and he can hit some sixes.” Gilchrist said as quoted by Fox Cricket.

Have A Look At The Respective Squads For The Impending Bushfire Charity Match:

Adam Gilchrist XI: Adam Gilchrist (c, wk), Fawad Ahmed, Alex Blackwell, Brad Hodge, Nick Riewoldt, Peter Siddle, Yuvraj Singh, Andrew Symonds, Courtney Walsh, Shane Watson (one more to be announced) Coach: Tim Paine

Ricky Ponting XI: Ricky Ponting (c), Wasim Akram, Dan Christian, Brad Haddin (wk), Matthew Hodge, Luke Hodge, Brian Lara, Justin Langer, Phoebe Litchfield, Brett Lee, Elyse Villani Coach: Sachin Tendulkar