Playing XI for Bushfire Relief Match: Sachin Tendulkar to coach Ponting XI

Playing XI for Bushfire Relief Match: The SportsRush present before you the two playing XIs for the forthcoming Bushfire Relief Match.

The Playing XIs for the two teams set to take part in the Bushfire Relief Match have finally been announced. With the development regarding the charity match doing rounds for some time now, the biggest change has come in the form of legendary spinner Shane Warne’s non-participation.

Among the players taking part, the tried and tested opening pair of Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden will be reunited at the top of the order for Ponting XI which also includes former West Indies captain Brian Lara.

Set to be coached by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, it will be the first time when the heroic trio will be seen working in the same team.

Ponting XI’s batting order also comprises of Australian women’s player Elyse Villani and teenage Australian sensation Phoebe Litchfield. The bowling attack will be led by the star duo of Wasim Akram and Brett Lee alongside veteran Australia all-rounder Daniel Christian.

Legendary wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist has been roped in a replacement for Warne. Gilchrist will lead a team comprising of former Australia batsman Brad Hodge and all-rounders in Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson.

Former West Indies spearhead Courtney Walsh, India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and Australia seamer Peter Siddle will also play for Gilchrist XI.

Playing XI for Bushfire Relief Match

Ponting XI

Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting (c), Elyse Villani, Brian Lara, Phoebe Litchfield, Brad Haddin (wk), Brett Lee, Wasim Akram, Dan Christian, Luke Hodge.

Coach: Sachin Tendulkar

Gilchrist XI

Adam Gilchrist (c & wk), Shane Watson, Brad Hodge, Yuvraj Singh, Alex Blackwell, Andrew Symonds, Courtney Walsh, Nick Riewoldt, Peter Siddle,  Fawad Ahmed (one more to be announced).

Coach: Tim Paine

Originally slated to be played as a build-up to the Big Bash League final on February 8, the charity match will now be played on February 9 (Sunday) to make sure that inclement weather forecast doesn’t play spoilsport. Furthermore, the match has been shifted from Sydney to Melbourne (Junction Oval).

As far of the rules of the charity match are concerned, a five-over powerplay, no bowling restrictions, batsmen unable to get out from the first ball they face, no over limits for bowlers, frequent substitute fielders and captains allowed to sub batters in and out during an innings comprise of some fascinating norms which will add to the interest among the viewers.

The catastrophic bushfire has caused a lot of damage as far as land, life and monetary loss is concerned. The coming together of so many renowned names from several sports is likely to generate a handsome amount of fund which will go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.