As India is facing a huge surge in COVID-19 cases, Cricket Australia has announced a donation of $50,000 for the country’s fight against the deadly disease, according to media reports. The donation will be utilised to provide oxygen, the shortage of which has emerged as a major concern for the COVID-hit nation. The amount will also be used for testing equipment and to accelerate the rollout of coronavirus vaccines. 

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Cricket Australia along with the Australian Cricketer’s Association is partnering with UNICEF Australia to collect funds for the COVID-19 crisis in India.

Earlier, Australian cricketer Pat Cummins made a donation of $50,000 towards the PM Care funds to help India‘s fight against COVID-19, the disease that has severely crippled the country’s healthcare system. 

Also read: Brett Lee helps India amid COVID crisis, donates 1 Bitcoin for purchase of oxygen supplies

Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s interim chief executive said, “Australians and Indians share a special bond and for many, our mutual love for cricket is central to the friendship. We were deeply moved by the sentiment expressed and donation given by Pat Cummins and Bret Lee over the past few weeks,” reported ANI. 

“In that spirit, we are proud to partner with UNICEF Australia to raise funds that will the people of India by providing the health system with much needed-oxygen, testing equipment and vaccines,” he added.