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WA Premier Mark McGowan could open for charity T20 organised by ex-Wildcat Greg Hire

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Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
VideoSome of the biggest names in tennis came together to raise money for the bushfire crisis.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan is glad to avoid the wrath of Mitchell Johnson when he pads up in the Boundaries for Bushfires Charity Twenty20 match under lights at the WACA Ground on February 7.

The friendly cricket match, organised by four-time NBL championship player Greg Hire, is a fundraiser for the devastating bush fire relief.

And the popular former Perth Wildcat has managed to lure plenty of high-profile WA athletes.

Norm Smith medallist and West Coast captain Luke Shuey and his former teammate Xavier Ellis have signed up, while former Fremantle champions Des Headland, Paul Hasleby and Troy Cook will also pull on the whites.

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Western Force captains past and present, Matt Hodgson and Ian Prior, are on board, as are West Coast Fever skipper Courtney Bruce, Wildcats great Andrew Vlahov, Eagles AFLW assistant coach Michelle Cowan and Hockeyroos Rachael Lynch and Sophie Taylor.

Perth Scorchers pacemen Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye are coaching Team Red and Team Blue respectively, while in-form WA women’s cricketer Nicole Bolton and legendary paceman Jo Angel will be on the field.

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Perth Scorchers pair Andrew Tye and Jason Behrendorff will coach the two teams, while Premier Mark McGowan, Greg Hire (organiser) and Courtney Bruce will take part.
Camera IconPerth Scorchers pair Andrew Tye and Jason Behrendorff will coach the two teams, while Premier Mark McGowan, Greg Hire (organiser) and Courtney Bruce will take part. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

Hire hinted on Twitter that McGowan could open the batting with Nova 93.7 breakfast host Nathan Morris.

Luckily he’s on the same team as retired Australian tearaway Johnson, one of the most terrifying bowlers in the world on his day.

“I’m very keen to line up with Mitch Johnson, I don’t think anyone will be too keen to face him at the crease,” he said.

“I don’t think I’ll be setting any records, I’ll just be doing my best not to get injured.

“I’m looking forward to the match. I hope everyone has a good time and raises money for a great cause.”

McGowan was “incredibly proud” of the generosity shown by West Australians.

“I’ve been incredibly proud of the way Western Australians have pitched in to help out in any way they can,” he said.

“But I’m not surprised – helping out is the West Australian way.”

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