Shane Warne not playing the Bushfire Relief Match: The legendary spinner won’t be available for the forthcoming charity match.
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While the final Playing XIs for the upcoming Bushfire Relief Match were revealed in the afternoon, the change in timing and venue of the match has made it impossible for some players to feature in the star-studded match.
Originally slated to be played as a build-up to the Big Bash League final on February 8 (Saturday), the charity match will now be played on February 9 (Sunday) to make sure that inclement weather forecast doesn’t play spoilsport in either of the two matches.
Furthermore, the match has been shifted from Sydney to Melbourne (Junction Oval) and will now be played in a double-header involving Australia Women vs England Women match of the ongoing Tri-Nation Series involving India.
Former Australia spinner Shane Warne, who was announced as a captain alongside Ricky Ponting, will be missing the match due to a prior commitment. Other popular names who won’t take part now will be former Australia captain Michael Clarke and former batsman Michael Hussey.
A major reason behind players missing the charity match will be their commentary stints with Fox Cricket and Seven Network. With a change in date and venue, it is nearly impossible for them to travel from Sydney to Melbourne.
Shane Warne not playing the Bushfire Relief Match
As far as Warne is concerned, he has cited a prior commitment with the Mandela Foundation in Cape Town on Sunday. Warne took to his Twitter account to further share that no airline is servicing flights from South Africa to Australia in the given time.
Very sad & disappointed to be missing Sunday’s cricket bash game. The reason being – I have an 8am commitment for the Mandela foundation and a walk in Capetown on Tuesday morning at 8am. No airlines can get me there in time. Happy to play if someone offers up there private plane?
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) February 6, 2020
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.
