'Picked the right team to coach too' - Ricky Ponting praises Sachin Tendulkar for taking part in Bushfire Cricket Bash

Legends Sachin Tendulkar and Courtney Walsh are set to coach Ponting XI and Warne XI, respectively, in the Bushfire Cricket Bash scheduled on February 8. The charity game will be a curtain-raiser to the final of the ongoing Big Bash League on the same day, though the venue is yet to be decided.

There will be in fact, three matches, to be played on February 8, including the charity game and the BBL title clash. The Indian and Australian women teams will also play each other in a Tri-Series T20I game the same day. The mega occasion will recognise the relentless efforts put in by volunteers, firefighters and emergency services to tackle the devastating bushfires in Australia that have killed a countless number of animals and ruined vegetations.

The funds raised during the day will be channelized to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The Bushfire Cricket Bash will see former internationals like Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Alex Blackwell and others besides Ponting and Warne. Former Australia captain Steve Waugh and women’s cricketer Mel Jones — the current director of Cricket Australia (CA) — will also be there but in a non-playing capacity.

Australian cricket fraternity glad to have Sachin Tendulkar

The Australian cricket fraternity was glad to have Tendulkar, one of the most successful batsmen against the Kangaroos in history, for the occasion. CA CEO Kevin Roberts said they were “absolutely honoured” to be welcoming Tendulkar and Walsh for the “special day”.

Ponting, who was once a close competitor of Tendulkar in batting, was elated too. In a tweet tagging the maestro, Ponting said it was great to have the latter participating in the Bushfire Cricket Bash and making time for the cause. He also praised Tendulkar for having agreed to coach his team for the match.

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

Australia’s upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in March will also be dedicated to the volunteers and emergency services workers besides people who have lost their loved ones and property in the devastating fire as well community club cricketers who have been hit by the tragedy.