Cricketers, celebs 'fill the Basin' for appeal

Photo / SurgeInWelly on Twitter

Mark Weldon of the Christchurch Quake Appeal has extended his thanks to celebrity cricketers for donating their time and skills today to help raise money for the appeal.

A capacity crowd attended the "Fill the Basin" charity cricket match in Wellington this afternoon.

"We're truly grateful to everyone who took part - both cricketers and the crowd. The Christchurch Quake Appeal will channel funds into the heart of Christchurch communities," Mr Weldon said.

"We will release the amount raised from the event as soon as it is available."

The capital has turned on a perfect late summer's day for the occasion.

The Wellington Legends XI, skippered by the great batsman Martin Crowe, is facing off against a Canterbury Invitational XI that includes Australian spin bowling immortal Shane Warne.

Last night Warne said on his Twitter account: "Getting excited about "fill the basin game" in NZ tomorrow-big game, early night. Hope the PM knows what I have in store for him. See u there."

The legspinner will bowl an over (six deliveries) at a padded-up John Key during the break between innings.

Former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming leads the Canterbury squad.

The gates opened at 10.30am with an early game at 11am.

Kids then have an hour from 2.30pm to play on the field before the big charity game gets underway at 3.30pm.

The teams:

Wellington Legends XI: Martin Crowe (captain), Andrew Jones, Bruce Edgar, Chris Nevin, Ewen Chatfield, Gavin Larsen, Jason Wells, Jonathan Millmow, Matthew Bell, Richard Petrie, Roger Twose, Tana Umaga.

Canterbury Invitation XI: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Geoff Allott, Mark Ellis, Mark Greatbatch, Sir Richard Hadlee, Rod Latham, Craig McMillan, Dion Nash, Adam Parore, Justin Vaughan, Shane Warne.

- NZHERALD STAFF