Marmont padding up for Victorian Bushfire Appeal

Let's hope Aussie motocross champion Jay Marmont doesn't face any thunderbolts in this Sunday's charity cricket match at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. 

Marmont has never played the game before, but then again it probably won't be too much of a disadvantage with his fellow players including Peter Garrett and Shannon Noll. Let's hope Garrett's bowling action is not as weird as his dancing.

Other players will include Anthony Mundine, Mick Fanning and Lote Tuqiri, with former test cricketer Michael Slater bringing some professionalism into the mix.

The match, which starts at 5.00pm on February 20, will be umpired by Sir Michael Parkinson and Andrew Denton. Tony Squires will be the on-ground announcer. 

"I'm really looking forward to the match," said Marmont. "I do follow cricket and watch all the one-dayers and tests but I have never actually played the game.

"I will definitely be heading to the local cricket pitch before the weekend for a bit of practice before I am on the receiving end of some 120km/hballs.

"There are a number of celebrities and cricket players who have donated their time to be part of the match and it is great to see them and people everywhere coming together to help raise money for the victims of the Victorian bushfires."

Marmont is also auctioning off the jersey he wore when he won his 2008 title at a special event at the Northern Bowl in Corrimal.

"My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by the fires and the Cricket Match and auction are my way of getting out there and trying to do my bit to help," Marmont said.

Donations for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal can be made by clicking here, or by tel 1800 811 700.