Shane Warne was the 350th Australian player to be handed the Australian Baggy Green during his debut in 1992. (Photo Credit: Shane Warne Facebook)
New Delhi:
The Australian bushfires have ravaged the country and they are becoming intense with every single passing day. Celebrities and sporting personalities from across the spectrum in Australia have helped in every manner to raise funds for the victims of the bushfire menace that is plaguing predominantly East and South Australia. In the state of New South Wales and Victoria, there is a state-wide emergency imposed. Amidst all this, Shane Warne, the greatest legspinner in the history of cricket, has decided to contribute in his own way and his gesture is winning the internet.
Taking to his official Facebook page, Warne wrote, "The horrific bushfires in Australia have left us all in disbelief. The impact these devastating fires are having on so many people is unthinkable and has touched us all. Lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed and over 500 million animals have died too. Everyone is in this together and we continue to find ways to contribute and help on a daily basis. This has lead me to auction of my beloved baggy green cap (350) that I wore throughout my test career (when I wasn’t wearing my white floppy hat). I hope my baggy green can raise some significant funds to help all those people that are in desperate need. Please go to the link in my bio and make a bid & help me to donate a big cheque ! Thankyou so much."
Please bid here https://t.co/kZMhGkmcxs pic.twitter.com/ZhpeWQxqY7
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 6, 2020
Warne was the 350th Australian player to be given the Baggy Green but for most of his career, he wore the white floppy hat while playing. As a cricketer, Warne's exploits are nothing short of genuis, having taken 708 wickets and standing second in the all-time list of wicket-taker in Test matches behind Muttiah Muralitharan's tally of 800. The Australia bushfires have ravaged the country and it has left a massive trail of devastation behind. 18 people have died so far. David Warner, the Australian left-handed opening batsman, has expressed shock at the escalating horrors of bushfire that has gripped Australia and paid tributes to firefighters and volunteers who are trying their best to douse the devastating flames, terming them as the real heroes.
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With heatwave expected to sweep across the country on Saturday, the umpires will take a call if the match needs to be suspended or delayed incase the smoke generating from the bushfire affects the air quality or visibility. Disturbed by the horrors of the deepening crisis, Warner shared a picture of a person with a dog watching the devastating forest fire. "I just saw this picture and I'm still in shock. When we go out to play tomorrow, not just the Australian team, but New Zealand as well, we never forget how privileged we are to live where we do and to do what we do. My heart, my family's hearts are with you. These fires are beyond words. To every firefighter, volunteer to every family, we are with you. You are the real heroes. You do us proud," Warner said on Instagram.
