Women's Ashes Test match to raise funds for MS research with gold coin donation entry

The second Test in the Women's Ashes Series begins at Sydney's Bankstown Oval tomorrow (22 February), with a gold coin collection at the gate to be donated to the Trish Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

The foundation was set up in memory of former Australian women's youth captain Trish Langsford who passed away from multiple sclerosis (MS) last year, aged 31.

Entry to the ground is free, with all money raised through the gold coin collection to be donated to the foundation, which funds research into the cause of MS.

Australian women's captain Belinda Clark, a former New South Wales team mate of Langsford, said the Australian team was pleased to lend its support to the cause.

"Trish Langsford was a talented cricketer for New South Wales and she also captained the Australian under-23 side against New Zealand in 1993-94," said Clark.

"With her skill and determination, she could well have gone on to play for Australia at senior level, but unfortunately she was struck down with the degenerative disease.

"The foundation does tremendous work in continuing the fight to find a cure for MS and the team is proud to support the foundation during the upcoming Test match," said Clark.

Every dollar raised by the foundation is channelled into research to find the cause of MS, and to work toward developing a cure.

The second Test at Sydney's Bankstown Oval (22-25 February) will complete the two-Test Women's Ashes Series.

Australia retained the Ashes after winning the first Test in Brisbane to hold an unbeatable 1-0 lead in the series. Australia and England have played 39 Test matches with the record standing at Australia (10), England (six) and 23 draws.

Bankstown Oval will become the 25th venue to host an Australia-England Test match at women's level.

Gates open at 1000, play begins at 1100.