WACA to host T20 bushfire fundraiser

A WACA Twenty20 match this Friday is aiming to raise more than $100,000 for those affected by recent bushfires, in a game that will feature Western Australian sporting stars and media personalities.

The 'Boundaries 4 Bushfires' match will be played on Friday night at the WACA Ground, all proceeds from the match to go to the Bushfire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities and Wildlife Victoria.

Australian and Western Australian left arm paceman Jason Behrendorff and team mate Andrew Tye will coach the two teams, with a stack of household Western Australian sporting and media names to play in the match, including West Coast Eagles captain Luke Shuey, former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson, West Coast Fever captain Courtney Bruce and former Perth Wildcats champion Greg Hire.

Premier Mark McGowan will also suit up for the fundraiser, as will well known Perth media identities Tim Gossage, Oliver Peterson and Nathan Morris.

Speaking to Sports Drive on Thursday, Behrendorff said the recent devastating fires around the country had struck an emotional chord with him.

"It's very close to me personally, I've got a lot of family and friends still in Canberra and in the New South wales region over East," Behrendorff said.

"Speaking to a lot of people here in WA, they know of someone or are friends with someone who has been affected by the fires that have been going on."

"This is our little way of doing something and hopefully raising some much needed funds for a much needed cause."

Former Wildcat Greg Hire was the instigator for the match, with the WACA quick to get on board as the host venue.

Behrendorff, who is recovering from back surgery late last year, said the aim was to raise a six figure sum on the night.

"We'd love to reach somewhere around the $100,000 mark, with a view to get as much money as we can. Ticket sales have been going pretty well. The ultimate goal would be to sell the WACA out." he said.

Players shirts will be auctioned off after the game in another fundraising initiative, as will all proceeds from ticket sales and donations on the night.

Tickets for the match are $10 for adults and $5 for children, with the first ball set to be bowled at 6PM.

IMAGE: WACA website.