Aussie Cricket to bat for Qld flood relief

Cricket Australia and its partners will call on all Australians to show their support for those affected by the floods in Queensland during the coming Commonwealth Bank One-Day International Series.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland today said the match against England to be played at the Gabba on 30 January is to be dedicated to raising funds for the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, was also on hand to lend her support to the event while at the SCG today for Jane McGrath Day.

“We have all seen the devastation of the floods and feel for those affected in many communities in Queensland and New South Wales,” Sutherland said.

“Australian cricket has many friends in the affected regions so it is only fair that we do our bit to help.

"Through this match we hope all Australians can get behind the appeal and raise much needed funds.

“Australian cricket fans have a strong tradition of supporting communities at a time of need having helped to raise funding for the Boxing Day Tsunami relief, Haiti Earthquake victims and the Victorian Bushfire appeal in recent years.

Cricket Australia’s partners, Channel 9 and the Commonwealth Bank, have already activated programs to support the flood relief with the Commonwealth Bank having pledged $1 million and Channel 9 will be holding a telethon this Sunday to help raise funding for the relief efforts.

The Australian and England players will also throw their support behind the match with more detail of the fund raising activities to be released closer to January 30.

Minister for Sport Mark Arbib has welcomed the announcement by Cricket Australia.

Those who want to make a contribution to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal before the one-day International on January 30 can do so by phone on 1800 219 028