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Cricket bushfire relief match moved to Melbourne

This weekend’s Bushfire Cricket Bash, which has been organised to raise funds for people impacted by the Australian bushfires, has been relocated from the Sydney Cricket Ground to Melbourne’s Junction Oval.

Cricket Australia announced the venue change earlier today (Thursday), with anticipated rainfall in Sydney the reason given for the relocation.

The match had been due to take place at the SCG ahead of the Big Bash League final on Saturday. The BBL final has not been postponed but the charity match has been moved to give the final the best possible chance of going ahead.

The Bushfire Cricket Bash will now be played at the 7,000-seat Junction Oval following the women’s Twenty20 international between Australia and England.

Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting will captain the two sides, which will be coached by Sachin Tendulkar and Tim Paine. Shane Warne, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Brad Fittler and Grace Harris had been due to take part in the match but travel commitments and previous engagements mean they can no longer attend.

The match is one of a number of events that have been organised to raise funds for the bushfire relief effort. Sydney’s ANZ Stadium will host a concert later this month and a legends football match in May, while Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will stage a landmark AFL State of Origin match on February 28. Adelaide Oval also staged a cricket match between AFL stars last weekend.

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