Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist goes in to bat for Lismore

It’s a homecoming for Adam Gilchrist when he leads an all-star team in a special cricket match at Lismore tomorrow. But see why it’s also much more for the man they call ‘Gilly’.

Former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting (left) with Adam Gilchrist and more are heading to Lismore on March 11 for a Twenty 20 cricket match to commemorate Lismore’s flood.

Lismore’s Oakes Oval will be packed for a sold out once-in-a-lifetime-event when an ensemble of high profile international, state and local cricketers take to the field on Saturday.

The T20 match is the brainchild of Lismore council and its mayor, Steve Krieg, who reached out to esteemed former Aussie cricketer Adam Gilchrist.

After returning to his home turf and seeing what the floods had done to the town, Gilchrist said the idea of getting some legends together for the match was the least he could do.

Flood-ravaged Lismore from the air

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“It’s something close to my heart,” Gilchrist said, “I’ve watched with sadness and frustration from afar so when Steve (Krieg) asked me if I’d be keen to help create a T20 match with some high profile players I jumped at the opportunity.

“It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be able to contribute in some small way.”

Gilchrist said the cast for the Lismore game was a “terrific blend of big names and different eras”.

“Players including one of our greatest ever test cricketers, Ricky Ponting, ranging down to some local mates of mine’s kids to some young female cricketers from the region,” he said.

“Then some current stars of the game, in-form Chris Lynn, Dan Christian who has just finished his professional career and Steve O’Keefe who is always a feature in the Big Bash.”

Also hitting the turf is NSW batter Claire Moore and Qld’s right-arm leg-breaker Grace Parsons.

Lismore players are very much part of the show.

“I wanted to make sure there is a local feel there,” Gilchrist said.

“For the up and comers to be able to play alongside some legends and experience playing in front of an appreciative crowd (is awesome).”

Ricky Ponting of Australia is confirmed for the Lismore game.

Local batsman Brady Toniello said he’s “stoked” to be a part of “a once in a lifetime opportunity”.

“It’s a game that any cricket player could dream of playing in with current and ex Australian players.”

Local all-rounder Kaleb Armstrong said it will be an amazing experience to share a dressing room with superstars.

“I’m hoping to draw on their experience to improve my very own development within the game,” Armstrong said.

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said he has been hitting the nets in preparation for Saturday’s match.

“The Mayor’s XI is looking really good for this weekend,” Mr Krieg said.

“It’s been a while since I have picked up the bat, but I am confident that with some of the cricketing legends in my team, we will give Gilly’s XI a run for their money,” he said.

Gilchrist underlined the importance of community cricket in getting the event together.

He said the sport relied on the thousands of volunteer hours that go into ensuring the life of grassroots cricket.

Adam Gilchrist will captain a T20 side in a community match in Lismore. Picture: Aman Sharma

Growing up as a teenager in Lismore, Gilchrist said his ties to the city allowed him to call up mates for the T20 Legends match in Lismore without any expectation of payment.

Players have come with the understanding that’s this match is purely a donation of their time and profile.

“A number of them are from regional and community areas,” Gilchrist said.

“They understand how important the regional communities are.”

Gilchrist acknowledged the help of Cricket NSW in helping bring the event to fruition.

The match will be played in the traditional 20/20 format, where each side has one innings to try and score as many runs as they can within 20 overs.

“I hope it’s a great event for everyone that can come along, be a part of it and bring some community spirit to the region,” Gilchrist said.