Shane Warne has joined Australia’s bushfire fundraising drive, putting his prized baggy green up for auction.
Cricket fans have a chance to bid on Warne’s Test cap until Friday night, with all proceeds to be donated to the Australian Red Cross to help those affected by fires around the country.
The item would rank among the most valuable mementos from the decorated career of Australia’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
Sir Donald Bradman’s baggy green sold for approximately $420,000 in 2003.
Warne, who joins Ash Barty, Daniel Ricciardo and many others on a long list of high-profile members of Australia’s sporting community to announce fund-raising measures, suggested it was the least he could do.
“The horrific bushfires in Australia have left us all in disbelief,” Warne said.
“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.
“Some of the images we’re seeing are absolutely horrific.”
The item will come with an autographed certificate of authenticity.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has already bid $25,000.
Barty is donating all her prize money from this year’s Brisbane International to help bushfire victims, while Ricciardo is auctioning a race suit from the Australian Grand Prix.
A stack of cricketers are donating sums of money based on how many sixes they hit or wickets they claim in this summer’s Big Bash League, while Australia’s Test attack has pledged $1,000 per wicket in the SCG Test.
Hugh Jarse
Roar Rookie
He didn't love wearing it. Doesn't mean he doesn't value it. I see your point, but surely it's irrelevant.
Paul
Roar Guru
Great to see Warne doing his bit. I still think it would be great if CA could organise a celebrity ODI or a few T20's so more can be raised. Hopefully they'll do that in the next few weeks.
Micko
Roar Rookie
I think you're the one missing the point: I'm not criticising Warne for helping out, just noting he doesn't have the love for the literal baggy green cap that other players (like Steve Waugh) did. That's all I'm saying here!
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
You’re missing the point . Fire relief money is more important , but feel free to do something that raises bigger money.
SteveO
Roar Rookie
Good on you Warney
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
You’re missing the point .. and skin cancer awareness changed the mindset of many Aussie players re the baggy green in the 90s .. but that’s not the point either . a baggy green of our best ever ( maybe ) modern day cricketer is worth a motza to fundraising. it’s important money , it’s really needed by people in dire conditions.
Micko
Roar Rookie
He even said that himself. He never wore it out in the field, along with Mark Waugh. He even stated he didn't like Steve Waugh's worship of everything "baggy green".
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
I thought warnie said on cricket legends he had already given away the two baggie greens he had used as a player. One to Kerry Packer and the other to a museum
Kanggas2
Guest
“Warnie didn’t care about the baggy green anyway “ Micko Warnie doing his bit for much needed fundraising, well done warney . Some people would boo Santa Claus as jack Gibson used to say .
Micko
Roar Rookie
Warnie didn't care about the baggy green anyway: always wore the floppy hat.
JGK
Roar Guru
Currently up to $275k!