Australian cricket legends to meet at Imparja Cup

Melbourne, Feb 7(ANI): Retired Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie will captain a group of Australian cricketing legends to play against some of the country's best indigenous players in Alice Springs this week.

Gillespie, with the help of fellow all-stars Matthew Elliot, Greg Matthews and Len Pascoe, will open the 17th Lord's Taverners Imparja Cup on Sunday night, before conducting a clinic for local schools at Traeger Park on Monday.

A spotlight will be shone on Australia's annual indigenous cricket carnival, when Gillespie and his fellow all-stars take on members of the indigenous development squad, with retired opening batsman Matthew Hayden making a special appearance.

Talking about his second visit to the tournament, Hayden said: "My first visit to the Imparja Cup... was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in cricket. The raw talent on display both at the Imparja Cup and in the communities hints at how strong indigenous cricket can become."

"I'm looking forward to playing out in the middle with some of the most promising young indigenous players in Sunday night's opening match and continuing with cricket's goal to see indigenous players wearing the baggy green," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hayden, as saying.

Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland said the growth of the competition was a testament to the interest in cricket among Aboriginal communities.

"We look to further grow participation in the sport among the indigenous community and see indigenous cricketers rise to national selection and role model status among young indigenous children," Sutherland said in a statement.

More than 450 people are expected to converge on Alice Springs for the event. Thirty-two teams are registered to compete in the tournament, which will conclude on February 13. (ANI)