How McGrath Foundation hopes to revolutionise online gaming with launch of cricket game to raise charity cash

EVER dreamed about facing off against Glenn McGrath in a game of cricket? Here is your chance.

Boxing day Test day 3 Australia vs Pakistan at the MCG. Glen McGrath celebrates his second wicket with Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden. Pic Kelly Barnes 27/12/04

HAVE you and your mates ever wanted to opportunity to play a game of cricket against Glenn McGrath and other Aussie cricket legends?

Now you can thanks to an innovative charity campaign combining fundraising with online gaming.

The McGrath Foundation has launched a groundbreaking online cricket tournament for smartphones, desktops and tablets and hopes it will raise funds to help place breast care nurses in communities across Australia.

How can an online cricket game raise funds for charity you ask?

Users of the game pay a small donation in order to register, according to McGrath Foundation chief executive Petra Buchanan,

Petra Buchanan Photo: Hollie Adams

“It’s a bit of a first and we hope lead the way for charity and fundraising,” she said.

“Everyone taking part in the McGrath Foundation Digital Cup is given a chance to bat, bowl and field their way to victory by signing up as either a ‘coach’ or a ‘player’.

“Coaches are required to stump up a $30 donation to the McGrath Foundation and then invite their mates by email or Facebook to create a team of 11 players. The selected teammates simply donate $10 to play.”

Ms Buchanan the concept was ambitious because it was an unexplored format, but she remained confident it would be successful.

“We did some research and found that there has been a massive growth in handheld devices and online games,” he said.

“Statistics shows that currently more than 93% of Australian households own at least one device for playing games.

“With this in mind we thought gamification was the best way to leverage our heritage of cricket and connect with a new audience.”

Ms Buchanan said users will also get the opportunity to play against a number of legends of the game.

“Glenn McGrath, Michael Bevan, Darren Lehmann and Adam Hollioake will be playing the game along a number of others,” he said.

“Players also have the opportunity to win great prizes including exclusive tickets to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, LG TVs, travel and BP fuel vouchers.”

Players can register now until 13 February for unlimited pre-match practice before the official tournament begins on 14 February.

The tournament will run until 28 February.

Glenn McGrath is excited by the prospects this innovative idea could offer