McGrath to play one last game for Blues

Glenn McGrath has confirmed he will make one final appearance for New South Wales this season in a Twenty20 match on January 8. McGrath retired after the World Cup in April and although his last Test and ODI appearances in Australia were at Sydney he did not have the chance for a state farewell last summer.

He can now use the game against Queensland at Telstra Stadium to help him prepare for the Indian Premier League, the Twenty20 tournament next April for which McGrath has made himself available. "I'm excited about the opportunity," McGrath said. "I was always proud to represent my state but international selection often restricted my appearances.

"I've never played a Twenty20 match for my state before. To be able to play and say thanks to the fans means a lot to me."

The Sydney match will also allow him to raise money for the McGrath Foundation, which was formed after McGrath's wife Jane initially recovered from breast cancer. New South Wales players will show their support for the cause by playing with pink numbers on their shirts, while $1 from every ticket sold will go to the foundation.

"The chance to raise money for the McGrath Foundation was a key element to my decision," he said. "If we can play some exciting cricket in front of a big crowd and raise some money along the way, I'm sure everyone will enjoy the day."

Dave Gilbert, the chief executive of Cricket New South Wales, said the opportunity to give McGrath a state farewell was too good to pass up. "Glenn's competitive nature during his career never wavered despite challenging personal circumstances," Gilbert said. "It's fitting that we pay tribute to his career while at the same time support an extremely important cause."