'Lot of wildlife has unfortunately perished. All we can do is, as players, try and bring some good performances and bring some excitement and smiles on the faces of the people, who are doing it very tough at the moment.'
Cricket is "insignificant" compared to the bushfires raging in his country at the moment, Australia captain Aaron Finch said on Friday, hoping to bring smiles on the faces of those affected by the tragedy, with good performances against India.
Australia will be playing a short three-match ODI series in India, starting on January 14.
"Obviously, it's very unfortunate what's happening in Australia. With everyone affected by bushfires around Australia, at the end of the day, cricket is insignificant to what's happening there in terms of (like I said), the loss of lives," Finch said in Mumbai.
"Lot of wildlife has unfortunately perished. All we can do is, as players, try and bring some good performances and bring some excitement and smiles on the faces of the people, who are doing it very tough at the moment," he added.
The bushfires have shocked the world and prompted an outpouring of support from celebrities, athletes and leaders around the world.
Spin legend Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold at auction for nearly US$ 700,000 on Friday, with all funds going to help victims of bushfires raging in Australia.
Cricket Australia last week also announced a fundraising drive for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund during one-day matches between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney in March.
