Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting Among Aussie Greats To Come Out Of Retirement To Play For Bushfire Victims

In yet another incredible gesture for the bushfire victims, Australian legends Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne have decided to come out of their retirements. The Australian cricket fraternity is doing all it can for the bushfire victims. A few days ago, legendary spinner Shane Warne auctioned his baggy green while the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short pledged to donate money for every six they hit in the ongoing Big Bash League.

Legendary fast-bowler Jeff Thomson auctioned his precious ‘Baggy Green’ cap and cricket vest to raise funds for the victims too.  During the New Year’s Test against New Zealand, Australia’s bowling quarter also donated $19,000 for each of the 19 wickets picked up during the match. And Shane Warne along with Ricky Ponting has decided to do more for his compatriots.

Bushfire Cricket Bash:

Both the former Australia cricketers have decided to feature in a star-studded charity game early next month that will raise money for victims of Australia’s devastating bushfires. Cricket Australia, on Sunday,  announced a range of initiatives to help those impacted by the fires. The Bushfire Cricket Bash is the highlight of the initiatives.

Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting will lead the teams during the clash on February 8. Along with them,  Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Justin Langer, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Alex Blackwell will also take part. On the other hand, former men’s Test and ODI skipper Steve Waugh and former Australian women’s player Mel Jones will also be involved in a non-playing capacity.

On the same day, a women’s T20 international between Australia and India at Junction Oval in Melbourne and the men’s BBL Final will also take place. There will be fundraising initiatives across all three matches and all money raised will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The Bushfire Cricket Bash will be played in the afternoon and  will act as a curtain raiser for the BBL Final, according to Cricket Australia.

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