Waugh, Taylor to lead teams in Victoria bush fire T20 fundraiser

Sydney, Feb. 15 (ANI): Former Australian captains Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor will lead their celebrity teams in a fundraiser Twenty20 cricket match to gather aid for Victorian bushfire victims.

Waugh and Taylor immediately agreed to play when the proposal of the match was put before them, said David Gilbert, Cricket NSW chief executive.

"They said yes straight away. Once again, they are leading the way, just as they did in their playing days, and the response from players, past and present, plus the personalities has been fantastic," Gilbert stated.

Australia's Big Bash will be played next Sunday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) that will also feature federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett, boxer Anthony Mundine and former Test stars Glenn McGrath and Michael Slater, News.com reports.

The former Midnight Oil frontman's great grandfather, Tom Garrett was an Australian Test team player from 1877 to 1888.

Teams for the Big Bash are yet to be finalized, but David Warner, Nathan Bracken, Moises Henriques, Lisa Sthelaker and Ellyse Perry from the current Australian squad will also feature in the match.

Sydney Roosters NRL players Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichiello, Waratah players Phil Waugh, Lote Tuqiri and the retired Matthew Burke will also play.

Sydney Swans forward Barry Hall has agreed to play, singer Shannon Noll, former world surfing champion Mick Fanning and current surfer Joel Parkinson are the celebrities who will also feature in the fundraiser match.

Organisers hope the Twenty20 match will raise 500,000 dollars for the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal, with SCG staff donating their services. (ANI)