Auction to raise tsunami funds

One cricket fan will get the chance to face Shane Warne © Getty Images

As part of its efforts to raise funds in the wake of the Boxing Day tsunami, MCC has teamed up with two of the world’s most famous cricketers to offer an incredible and unique opportunity to one cricket fan.

During the interval between the innings in the MCC v International XI match on Tuesday June 14, the highest bidder in an on-line auction will receive 15 minutes of one-to-one coaching from Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, before walking out to the middle at Lord’s to face an over from the world’s leading Test wicket-taker, Shane Warne.

Tendulkar will remain at the non-striker’s end to continue to offer support and advice, and MCC will commission a commemorative photograph as a permanent reminder of the experience, which will also be televised.

MCC President, Tom Graveney, said: "This is an incredible opportunity for one cricket fan to live a dream – to walk out to bat against the world’s leading Test wicket-taker at the home of cricket in front of the Lord’s crowd and a world-wide television audience.

“In addition, they will be able to prepare for the experience by receiving personal coaching from one of the world’s greatest ever batsmen. We hope that this amazing opportunity, which has been made possible by the generosity and co-operation of Shane and Sachin, will raise a significant additional sum for the tsunami appeal."

The auction will begin at 3pm (British Summer Time) on Wednesday June 8 and close at 3pm (BST) on Saturday June 11. Between these times only, bids may be placed on-line via Tsunami Cricket Relief Appeal.

Please note that all bids are legally binding. The auction item includes two tickets to the match, but does not cover any transport, accommodation or subsistence costs which may be incurred.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the MCC v International XI match at Lord’s, which starts at 10.45am on Tuesday June 14. They may be purchased by telephoning MCC’s Ticket Office on 020 7432 1000.