Big Bash League, Test stars go in to bat for Bushfire Appeal

A trio of the KFC BBL's biggest hitters have extra incentive to clear the ropes this season after declaring they will donate $250 for every six they hit to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.

Brisbane Heat star Chris Lynn announced on Friday he will donate for every six he hits for the Brisbane Heat in BBL|09, with Glenn Maxwell matching Lynn's efforts only moments later before Hurricanes' hard-hitter D'Arcy Short followed suit.

So far this BBL season, Lynn has hit 15 sixes – the most in the competition – while Maxwell has nine for the Melbourne Stars.

Lynn's Brisbane Heat teammate Matthew Renshaw has also pledged $250 for every six (he's hit seven in the tournament so far) and every wicket he takes (he's taken three in five matches).

"It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country," Lynn tweeted.

Maxwell added: "Love it Lynny!! I’ll match you on $250 per six I hit in this years BBL. Great cause which is helping so many people around the country who are doing it tough right now."

It's not just the batters getting in on the action, either; veteran Perth Scorchers spinner Fawad Ahmed has also jumped on board, pledging $250 for every six he hits (he has hit two so far this season) and every wicket (he's taken seven).

Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes have also thrown their support behind the initiative, pledging to match the donations made by their players.

Meanwhile, Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson will be bowling to support the nation's wildlife. The trio have each pledged $200 per wicket to WIRES and Wildlife Victoria.

News Corp reported this week that ecologists from the University of Sydney estimate 480 million mammals, birds and reptiles have been lost in the fires since September.

At the SCG, Australia's third Test bowling attack of Pat Cummins, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon will each donate $1000 per wicket they take in the third Test.

Cricket Australia has also announced the one-day international matches between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG on March 13 and 15 will involve fundraising for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.

The Test teams of Australia and New Zealand are sporting black arm bands in the SCG Test as a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives.

Prior to play on Friday, players, officials and those in attendance at the SCG held a minute's applause as a thank you to the brave firefighters from home and abroad.

Australia's Test team are also auctioning off their signed shirts from the Boxing Day Test, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross, while a host of BBL teams are also auctioning off their playing shirts.

At 4pm AEDT on Saturday, the Australian Test shirt auction had already reached more than $33,000.

Melbourne Renegades skipper Aaron Finch has pledged to match the auction price of his signed shirt worn against the Sixers on Thursday - bidding was at $2010 at the time of writing - and donate the funds to WIRES.