Cricket match raises $14 million for tsunami relief

Herald Sun: [11jan05]: "THE greatest cricket show on earth at the MCG last night raised more than $14.6 million for the tsunami relief effort. In an emotional prelude to the historic match, heartbroken widow Trisha Broadbridge met the players to personally thank them. Trisha, whose footballer husband Troy was killed on Phi Phi Island, told how he saved her from the surging water on their ill-fated honeymoon.

Trisha's words inspired World XI skipper Ricky Ponting who smashed 115 runs off 102 balls – including eight fours and three sixes. With 3 Mobile pledging $1000 for every run and Toyota donating $50,000 for each six, Ponting will never play a more vital role in his career. A $14.6 million cheque was presented to World Vision after the match, including gate receipts and donations made by those who attended.

The final sum raised may not be known for some days, when revenues from television rights to 122 countries are finalised. "