AUSTRALIAN WICKETKEEPER Adam Gilchrist has urged people to donate generously to the tsunami appeal ahead of today's fundraising match for the victims of the Indian Ocean disaster. More than 80,000 people are expected to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the day-night match between an Asian and World XI, which will be broadcast in 122 countries to an estimated global audience of one billion. "It shouldn't take one freak act of nature to realise how generous we can be," Gilchrist said. The International Cricket Council (ICC) hopes the match will raise millions of dollars for the tsunami appeal with some of the money going to help victims in cricket-mad Sri Lanka and India. NO DATE FOR SECOND GAME A second fundraising game is due to be staged in Asia in either February or March. "Everyone has been touched by what has happened," said Steve Waugh, the former Australia captain who will coach the world team. "Cricket has the ability to unite people from around the world...and this is a way for the cricket community to help." Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, in charge of the Asian XI, said: "This is a very humbling experience for all of us, specifically the guys here whose families and friends have been affected." The bulk of the Asian side is made up of Indians and Sri Lankans, some of whom have been personally affected by the tsunami which has killed at least 156,000. Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was on his way to Galle when the city was struck by the waves on December 26 while Sanath Jayasuriya almost lost his mother. "She got wounded all over the body and is just recovering," Jayasuriya said. "But this is important that we play this match. It is important that we all do something." India batsman Sachin Tendulkar cannot play in today's match because of an elbow injury but agreed to travel to Australia to show his support. TENDULKAR DISAPPOINTED "I always knew I was going to come," he told Reuters. "It's disappointing that I can't go out to bat but the cause I'm here for is far more important than any match." The ICC has tried to add some spice to the hastily arranged game by declaring it official, meaning runs and wickets will go on record. The players say they need no extra incentives. "Whilst cricket is a big focus...it's completely different to a normal game. Obviously we are there to raise as much money as we can," New Zealand all rounder Chris Cairns told Reuters. "It's a truly global disaster, the only one in my lifetime so it was a no-brainer really to come together and try to raise big money." Shane Warne quit one-day cricket two years ago but agreed to come out of retirement while Darren Gough flew from England at short notice. "I think it's a credit to all the players that they said yes straight away to come down here and play this game," said Warne, who also plans to visit Sri Lanka later this year to help the relief effort. Match organisers will not say exactly how much money they expect to raise but a global foreign exchange company has donated A$1 million ($760,000) while a mobile phone company has pledged $1,000 for every run scored in the match. The players have also agreed to auction off items including their match shirts. TEAMS (FROM): World ­ Dwayne Bravo, Chris Cairns, Stephen Fleming, Chris Gayle, Adam Gilchrist, Darren Gough, Matthew Hayden, Brian Lara, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting, Daniel Vettori, Shane Warne. Asia ­ Rahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly, Sanath Jayasuriya, Alok Kapali, Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, Muttiah Muralitharan, Abdul Razzaq, Kumar Sangakkara, Virender Sehwag, Chaminda Vaas, Yousuf Youhana. Reprinted from jamaica-gleaner.com