All you need to know about Bushfire Cricket Bash Ponting XI v Warne XI

Full squad and match details of the Bushfire Cricket Bash scheduled on February 8 to raise funds for the devastating Australian bushfire.

When legends like Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Brian Lara, Yuvraj Singh and Wasim Akram step out together on the field and that too for a nobel cause, they are bound to attract attention and charity.

After Shane Warne's baggy green cap made more than $1 million at the auction that went directly to the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal, the former Aussie cricketers have gone one step ahead to further donate for the good cause.

This has led to the Ponting XI v Warne XI exhibition match, to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on February 8. The match has seen some of the biggest names in cricket graciously agreeing to do their bit for raising funds for the the unfortunate bushfire.

Apart from the Australian legends like Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds and Mike Hussey, some of the the big names from across the word like Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Courtney Walsh, Yuvraj Singh and Wasim Akram have also agreed to associate with it.

The match will be one of the three big games to be played on Saturday, coined as the Big Appeal to raise funds. After the CommBank Women’s Tri-Series T20I between Australia and India at the Junction Oval, the Bushfire Cricket Bash between the Ponting XI and the Warne XI at the SCG will be the curtain raiser for the KFC Big Bash League Final.

"To have Brian Lara playing in this match is an unbelievable win for our fans,” said Anthony Everard, Cricket Australia Executive General Manager of Fan Engagement. "It's also going to be a great experience for our playing squad, particularly the likes of Phoebe Litchfield who could find herself batting alongside Brian.

"Nick Riewoldt, Dan Christian and Holly Ferling complete the squad nicely, adding a bit of bowling depth to an extremely talented line-up. We can't wait to see Lara out on the SCG with the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Shane Warne, Grace Harris, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Mike Hussey, Matthew Hayden and Ellyse Villani," Everard added.

The exhibition match will be a 10-overs-per-side contest, with a five-over Powerplay. There will be no bowling restrictions and batters can not be ruled out on the first ball they face - proper street cricket stuff!

Bowlers will have no over limits and fielders can sub on and off without restrictions. The captains can sub batters in and out during an innings as per convenience.

Dan Christian, Holly Ferling and Australian Rules football legend Nick Riewoldt were the last three players to complete the squad. Rugby league great Brad 'Freddy' Fittler and Australian Rules footballer Luke Hodge are also part of the playing squad.

Steve Waugh, Mel Jones and rugby league Immortal Andrew 'Joey' Johns will take part in non-playing capacity.

The match will be broadcast on Channel Seven, Fox Cricket on Foxtel and Kayo.


The Big Appeal line-up - Saturday, February 8


Match 1: CommBank Women’s Tri-Series T20I, Australia v India @ Junction Oval


Match 2: Bushfire Cricket Bash, Ponting XI v Warne XI @ SCG 


Match 3: KFC Big Bash League Final @ SCG


Playing squad: Shane Warne (c), Ricky Ponting (c), Adam Gilchrist, Alex Blackwell, Andrew Symonds, Brad Fittler, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Brian Lara, Dan Christian,  Nick Riewoldt, Elyse Villani, Grace Harris, Holly Ferling, Justin Langer, Luke Hodge, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Phoebe Litchfield, Shane Watson, Yuvraj Singh, Wasim Akram


Coaches: Sachin Tendulkar, Courtney Walsh


Non-playing participants: Steve Waugh, Mel Jones, Andrew Johns

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