Former Australian cricket stars Darren Lehmann and Callum Ferguson are the latest big names to sign on for the inaugural T20 Cairns Gold Clash in association with Hot Spring at Cazalys Stadium on Sunday 22 November.
Lehmann, a former Test and ODI player and coach and, Ferguson, who represented Australia in all three formats of the game, will join Team Cricket in the battle against Team Footy.
The pair will line up alongside West Indian legend Brian Lara, Australian cricket greats Usman Khawaja, Matthew Hayden and Michael Hussey, as well as tennis grand slam champion Ash Barty, in the country’s newest must-see sporting event.
Taking on the challenge for Team Footy are a who’s who of names including the NRL’s Johnathan Thurston and Sam Burgess, playing with the AFL’s Joel Selwood, Dale Thomas, Isaac Smith and Kate McCarthy, with some huge names still to be announced.
Fans can expect massive sixes, spectacular catches, big personalities, fierce rivalries and plenty of unpredictable moments as elite athletes swap codes and compete for victory.
Affectionately nicknamed “Boof,” Lehmann is a highly successful international player and coach.
The aggressive left-handed batsman and clever spinner featured in 27 Tests and 117 ODIs for Australia, notably hitting the winning runs in the 1999 World Cup final.
Domestically he became a prolific run-scorer, amassing the most runs in Sheffield Shield history, before transitioning to leadership and coaching Australia to a 5-0 Ashes sweep and a 2015 World Cup triumph.
“Playing cricket in Cairns sounds like the perfect way to spend a Sunday night in November,” Lehmann said.
“The Gold Clash concept is so exciting and there are already so many big names signed on to play – it’s a must watch.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Brian Lara on Team Cricket, rather than against him.”
Renowned as a classy middle-order batsman, Ferguson played Test, ODI and T20I cricket for Australia and enjoyed a prolific 16-year first-class career with South Australia.
He also captained the Sydney Thunder in the BBL and is now a prominent sports broadcaster and cricket commentator.
“I’m pumped to be part of the first ever Gold Clash,” Ferguson said.
“There’s an amazing line up already and for Team Cricket there is going to be plenty of pride on the line.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the guys in Team Footy go with the bat and white ball too.”
