Wildfires have ravaged vast areas of land in Australia and caused loss of life and property. At least 17 people have been reported dead so far, and hundreds of houses have been razed in New South Wales alone.

Love it Lynny!!
I’ll match you on $250 per six I hit in this years BBL. Great cause which is helping so many people around the country who are doing it tough right now. ? https://t.co/hcJea0B6hh

— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) January 2, 2020

The resulting smoke has also had an effect on cricket matches, with a Big Bash League match between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder having been abandoned due to a heavy envelope of haze over the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

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The Sydney Test between Australia and New Zealand is also expected to come under threat from smoke, especially on the second day, in the event of which, Cricket Australia confirmed, players will be taken off the field. The players on both sides observed a minute’s tribute to Australia Fire and Emergency Services personnel on the first day of the match on Friday.

A growing number of Australian sportsmen and celebrities have pledged financial support towards the firefighting efforts. On Friday, Maxwell, Lynn and Short announced their decision to contribute.

Alright I am gonna jump on board and match @lynny50 and @Gmaxi_32 with $250 for every six I hit in the big bash league aswell to donate Red Cross and help those that are doing it tough. https://t.co/43M0CkAejY

— D'Arcy Short (@ShortDarcy) January 3, 2020

Lynn and Maxwell have been among the most prolific six-hitters in the ongoing season, with Lynn having struck 12 and Maxwell nine.

Cricket Australia had earlier announced that they will raise money for the fire-hit towns during the one-day series against New Zealand in March. Items from the Boxing Day Test are also set to be auctioned for the cause.