The Australian bushfire epidemic has been a raging issue this summer in the country, with many animals losing their natural habitats. Many activists, including sportspersons like Nick Kyrgios, Glenn Maxwell and Lewis Hamilton have extended their support towards this cause, vouching to donate money towards Australian bushfires.
The latest to join that bandwagon are former Australian players Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne, who have decided to come out of retirement for one place. The two are set to captain their respective sides in a one-off charity match as a curtain-raiser for the Big Bash League final, in a bid to raise money for Australian bushfire victims. The date and venue for that game are yet to be finalised.
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Several other former Australian players like Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Justin Langer, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Alex Blackwell are also expected to participate in that charity game. Former Test and ODI captain Steve Waugh and Aussie women’s player Mel Jones will also be involved in that charity game, but in a non-playing role. International cricketers Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni are also on the wish list. Ponting and Warne have also encouraged a few other actors and non-cricketers to get involved for this charitable cause.
"Hopefully a few [more] big names will get involved as well," Warne said in an interview while adding "From all sorts, whether it be music, film, TV or sports from different codes." The legendary leg spinner auctioned off his baggy green cap a few days back, raising nearly one million dollars for the bushfire relief victims; and continues to pledge his support now through this charity game.
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Warne last played for Australia against England in January, 2007 while Ponting played his final Test for his country in 2012. Both of them have since been busy with stints in the media and working on commentary for Australia’s games, but will now return to the field for one last charity game.
Feature image: AFP/ Glyn Kirk
