Abundant rain prediction in Sydney has pushed the Bushfire Bash to be transferred to Melbourne and as a result, a few players have retreated from the game as well. The relief game was originally thought to be carried on February 8 at the SCG just before the BBL final but will now be staged at the Junction Oval in Melbourne on February 9.
Shane Warne, who was deemed to skipper one of the sides, will not be possible for the game with Adam Gilchrist getting over the restraints. M Hussey, Clarke, Brisbane Heat player Grace Harris, and NRL legend Brad Fittler will also not be available for the game. Former West Indies great Courtney Walsh, who was supposed to be one of the coaches with Sachin Tendulkar being the other, will now be involved in a playing capacity. Australian Test captain Tim Paine will now be Gilchrist XI’s coach.
The contest at the Junction Oval will take place immediately after the conclusion of the women’s T20I between Australia and England. The decision to move the game was taken since 50 millimetres of rain was predicted to fall on Saturday in Sydney. Since the relief match and the BBL final were scheduled to be played on the same pitch, Cricket Australia decided to prioritise the T20 final which is already expected to be a truncated clash.
The exhibition match will be a ten overs per side affair and will feature the likes of Brian Lara, Yuvraj Singh, Wasim Akram, Shane Watson amongst others.
We have transferred the Bushfire Bash of the SCG because we want to produce every chance for the BBL09 Final to be contested on Saturday night, Kevin Roberts, CA CEO, stated. We do not suspect that the SCG pitch and field will be in great situation for The Final.
The Australian Women’s team is looking forward to a packed house at Junction Oval for their T20I against England, leading into the Bushfire Bash with a line up of cricket legends being broadcast around the world. Thanks to Shane for his incredible fundraising efforts and contribution to the planning of this event. He hands over the captaincy to Adam Gilchrist who will now lead the Gilchrist XI against the star studded Ponting XI Kevin Roberts said.
