Bat raising funds for Indian earthquake appeal

A rare cricket bat donated by the ACB and signed by some of the world's finest players looks set to raise thousands of dollars for the earthquake victims in Gujarat State, India.

The bat, signed by all players from the 1999-2000 Australia v India series, is being auctioned online at eBay.com.au.

By 5.30pm on Monday 19 February, the highest bid for the bat was $1900.

This figure is expected to jump significantly as the auction draws to a close in the next 24 hours.

According to online auction experts, bidding usually flurries in the last few hours.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the amount on this bat doubles in the last couple of hours. High profile collector's items tend to attract serious interest towards the end of the auction," said eBay Marketing Director Bay Warburton.

The bid for the autograph bat concludes at 7.13pm AEDST on 20 February.

Funds raised from the bat will add to the $165,000 the ACB has already assisted World Vision generate. This amount was raised from a phone poll run during the second final of the Carlton Series on 9 February.

All revenue generated by the auction will go to World Vision India and help purchase emergency supplies such as food, clothing and medical items for the region.