January’s ‘Black Clash’ charity cricket match between New Zealand’s ruby and cricket stars just got bigger with three more All Blacks stars in the form of the Barrett brothers and Aaron Smith throwing their hats into the ring.
Brothers Beauden and Jordie Barrett, and Smith join the likes of Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Israel Dagg in signing up for star-studded All Blacks squad which will take on a collection of former Blackcaps stars in the T20 clash to be held in Christchurch.
Brendon McCullum, Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Chris Harris are some of the names who will turn out for the Blackcaps in the charity clash. The T20 match is being held to raise money for both the sports’ welfare programmes.
21-year-old Jordie Barrett boasts of an impressive cricketing pedigree having played for the Central Districts in the U19 level while also representing Taranki in New Zealand’s Hawke Cup.
“Rugby does tend to get in the way of cricket but I’m always keen for a hit in the summer when I get the chance,” Jordie told TVNZ.
McCullum and Fleming will turn out for the Blackcaps.
“The match is a really great concept and I can’t wait to be a part of it. It’ll be pretty cool to play alongside a bunch of my rugby mates in another sport. I know some of them talk a good game so I guess it’s now time for them to put their money where their mouths are,” he added.
Smith, meanwhile, is excited about the chance to rub shoulders with former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum.
“I’ve always loved cricket. The thing I’m most excited about is the chance to meet Brendon McCullum. He’s a real hero of mine and now I’ll get the chance to see him smack a ball close -up. Hopefully just not off my bowling,” he said.
The All Blacks are being coached by Sir Graham Henry while Fleming will turn out in a player-cum-coach role for the Blackcaps. The charity T20 clash will be held on January 25, 2019.
