Cricket Internet auction to raise funds for bushfire appeal

The Australian cricket team will personally sign 10 full-sized cricket bats for an Internet auction to raise money for the Canberra Bushfire Recovery Appeal, the Australian Cricket Board announced today.

Each bat is being autographed by the Australian players on duty for the VB Series finals, which begin in Sydney today.

The rare bats, which will become collectors' items, will be available for auction online at www.ebay.com.au from midday tomorrow (24 January 2003).

Australian captain Ricky Ponting said the one-day international team has been concerned by the damaging effects of the fires.

"The fires have been devastating," Ponting said.

"The work of emergency teams has been inspiring and the guys wanted to do something to help.

"We know cricketers and other sportspeople all around Australia are pitching in with their own fund raising ideas and hopefully our joint efforts can help make a difference."

People wanting more information can contact the appeal office at GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 or by telephone on Canberra 0011 61 2 6205 5439.