Australian and Indian Test Cricketers rally to raise funds for earthquake appeal

Players from both the Australian and Indian Test teams competing in the 3-sponsored Boxing Day Test have united as one in an effort to raise funds for the Iran earthquake disaster.

Australian Test captain Stephen Waugh's playing shirt has been signed by all members of both teams and will be framed and placed on Web auction site e-bay for sale. The funds raised from the priceless memorabilia will go towards the disaster relief.

Waugh said that news of the disaster has had an impact on all players.

"We've all been extremely saddened by the news coming out of Iran over the last couple of days regarding the devastation and terrible loss of life," said Waugh.

"Our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by this tragedy - especially the Iranians in Australia who have lost loved ones back home.

"It's difficult to comprehend destruction of this scale and we hope our donation will assist in the fundraising effort," said Waugh.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said that Cricket Australia and the players competing in the Test match were very keen to lend assistance to the people and families in the devastated city of Bam.

"It is almost incomprehensible what has taken place in Bam," said Mr Sutherland.

"Early reports suggest that the earthquake has resulted in the death or injury of up to 70,000 people, which is approximately the same number of people that attended the MCG on Boxing Day. To learn that the devastation has impacted on so many people is demoralising.

"Australians are renowned for producing their best when the chips are down, and we hope that all Australians will rally behind this effort.

"Cricket Australia and the Australian and Indian players hope that the money raised by the memorabilia will help to provide some relief for the people of Bam, and also encourage other Australians to lend their support to the cause," said Mr Sutherland.

People can bid for the exclusive auction item by logging onto www.ebay.com.au and following the relevant links.

"I believe we have a very special group of players in the Australian cricket team who are very aware of the positive influence they can make in these situations," said Mr Sutherland.

"Last January, Cricket Australia and the Australian team raised $20,000 for the Canberra bushfire appeal following the sale of ten autographed cricket bats.

"Back in 2002, the players and Cricket Australia were also able to donate more than $130,000 to the victims of bushfires which devastated areas of Sydney. The Australian team donated $51,000 of its prizemoney from the Orange Test Series against South Africa, which was matched by Cricket Australia (then the Australian Cricket Board). Funds raised from the sale of autographed bats also fetched a total of $35,441 for the cause," said Mr Sutherland.