Sachin Tendulkar to coach Ponting’s XI in Bushfire Cricket Bash

Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar will side with Ricky Ponting in Cricket Australia’s bushfire appeal match. He along with West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh will be seen in the coaching capacity. Sachin shall join forces with Ricky Ponting’s XI whereas Walsh will assist Shane Warne’s team in the exhibition match. The match is scheduled to take place on 8th February, Saturday.

Also read: Sachin Tendulkar shoots down idea of four-day Test matches

Triple-header

The Bushfire Cricket Bash match is one of three matches that will be played on the day. The opening encounter will be a T20I clash between Australia and India which is a part of the Commonwealth Bank Women’s Tri-Series. This is to be followed by the match between Ponting XI vs Warne XI. The last event of the day will be the Big Bash 09 final. The venue for these clashes is yet to be decided. Winner of the Qualifier (31st January, Friday) in the Big Bash League will win the right of hosting the final.

Names involved thus far

Tendulkar and Walsh will accompany the former Aussie greats such as Ponting, Warne, Current Australian coach Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Alex Blackwell and Michael Clarke. Other players are set to be announced in the next few days. Steve Waugh and Mel Jones shall also be involved in a non-playing capacity.

How great is it to have @sachin_rt taking part in the Bushfire Cricket Bash and giving up his time to come out for the cause. Picked the right team to coach too! pic.twitter.com/RVSdy28vO7

— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) January 21, 2020

“We are absolutely honoured to be welcoming Sachin and Courtney back to Australia where they both enjoyed a lot of success as players, and we can’t wait to have them involved in what is going to be a special day. We’re looking forward to our people at CA and the entire Australian cricket family coming together for the Big Appeal,” said Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts.

All match profits and funds raised on the day will go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The cricket community has also helped the Australian attempts to deal with the devastation of the fires. Among other initiatives, players have donated based on sixes hit and wickets taken, memorabilia auctions and outreach efforts.