Bushrangers encourage Victorians to donate unwanted cricket equipment to developing cricket nations

As part of the ongoing initiative to support cricket development in the ICC's East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Region, the International Cricket Council (ICC), Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and Cricket Victoria have joined forces to establish an equipment drive at the Boxing Day Test between Australia and South Africa.

The initiative calls on all Victorian's to donate their unwanted cricket gear by bringing it with them to the MCG. A collection point will be set up outside Gate 6 on days one, two and three of the Boxing Day Test. The equipment will be distributed to countries such as Fiji, Cook Islands, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

In launching the drive, Victorian Bushrangers Jonathan Moss, Adam Crosthwaite and Graeme Rummans acknowledged the importance of such an initiative.

"Countries such as Australia have an important role to play in developing the game of cricket outside the traditional Test playing nations, and the provision of unwanted equipment will go a long way in providing this support," said Moss.

"I'm sure there are many cricketers out there with a garage or spare room full of old bats, balls, pads and other gear. I call on cricket fans attending the Test to bring their old gear with them and donate to this worthy cause," added Crosthwaite.

There will be a particular focus on old cricket balls during this years drive, with new balls often too expensive and difficult to access in many developing countries.

The equipment drive was established as a result of an increased demand for cricket equipment in the ICC EAP Region due to the tremendous growth in participation numbers.

The inaugural equipment drive, held during the 2004 Boxing Day Test, saw over 500 items donated. Papua New Guinea, one of the many countries to receive an allocation of the gear, was thrilled with the result.

"We received a significant amount of junior sized gear which enabled us to expand our junior school competition in the Port Moresby area, with an additional 47 schools involved in 2005. Without this equipment we simply did not have enough resources to make this happen," said Papua New Guinea Cricket Board Operations Manager Lakani Oala.

People who wish to donate equipment prior to or after the Boxing Day Test can do so by contacting the ICC on 03 9653 9925 or ylin@cricket.com.au.

Participation in cricket has been growing rapidly throughout the EAP Region over the past five years with almost 33,000 people now actively involved in organised cricket activities. This compares with only 5,700 people in the year 2000.