Sunil Gavaskar stated that he has been deeply impacted by the recent bushfires in the Southern continent of Australia, and the casualties that are has caused. The former opener was also moved by Shane Warne’s action to auction off his baggy green to raise funds for the bushfire victims and immediately donated $5000 to the Australian Red Cross, which is raising funds for the fire victims himself.
“I read about Warne’s appeal in a newspaper. I had been troubled by the loss of life and property and the damage to the environment (there),” the legendary cricketer told TOI. “Since I have lots of friends in Australia, I wanted to show (my) solidarity in their efforts to control the fires and save lives and property… hence the humble contribution (from me). Besides I have an enduring connection with Australia due to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.”
The Mumbaikar has a long association with Australia, with his first tour to the country coming back in 1971. In that particular series, he was a part of the World XI that faced the Aussies in their home conditions.
The 70-year old, who has now turned to commentating, also traveled Down Under as a member of the Indian cricket team for a decade post the 1976 tour. His first assignment behind the mic in Australia was in the 1991-92 series between the two countries.
Since 1996, all India and Australia Test series’ have been renamed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with one half being dedicated to former Aussie skipper Allan Border.
The Indian cricket team managed to win their first-ever Test series last year when they clinched the four-match series 2-1 in historical performance. Led by the pace bowlers, the team under Virat Kohli, fought tooth and nail to defeat the mighty Aussies in their own den.
The next Test series between the two nations will be played later this year, once again in Australia, and it has already left the cricket fans excited.
Currently, the two countries are involved in an ODI series, that Australia leads 1-0 after a thrilling show in the first game at Wankhede.
