Australian legend Jeff Thomson to auction his 'Baggy Green' cap and vest for bushfire victims

While the entire planet prayed for Australia where a devastating bushfire has wreaked havoc recently, killing people and millions of animals, former Aussie fast bowler Jeff Thomson decided to do something unparalleled. The 69-year-old legend chose to auction his precious ‘Baggy Green’ cap and vest and donate the proceeds from that for the victims of the bushfire.

Thomson played for Australia between 1973 and 1985 and in 51 Tests and 50 ODIs that he appeared, the tearaway fast bowler took 255 wickets with 200 of them coming with the red cherry. The cricketer played in an era when Australia’s Test cricketers were given a cap at the beginning of every series or tour rather than one cap for life.

The two items will go under the hammer through Lloyds Auctions Bushfire Relief Auction. “I don’t have much of my memorabilia left, so these two items are quite rare and special,” Thomson of the deadly Lillee-Thompson duo was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

“It’s hard to say what these pieces may go for, but I just hope that they can raise some decent funds that will really make a difference for all of those in need right now,” Thomson was quoted as saying by India TV.

Jeff Thomson was one of the greats of his time

Besides Thomson, another former Australian great Shane Warne also announced to auctioning his sole Baggy Green for the bushfire victims. Current players like Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short also made their commitment saying they would donate AUD 250 for every six they hit in the Big Bash League which is currently underway.

Solidarity and help have also poured in for Australia from across the planet over the bushfire tragedy. It has been claimed that the wildfires have been caused by drought and extreme heat conditions but dozens of people have also been accused of creating the crisis, officials said, according to CNN.

The police have charged at least 24 people for intentionally starting bushfires in New South Wales, according to a statement released by the state’s police on Monday. Subsequently, the state’s police have taken legal action against 183 people, 40 of whom are juveniles for fire-related offences since November.

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