Not one of the 17,771 spectators left the great man’s testimonial in Launceston feeling unfulfilled.

Memories from the first installment live long in the minds of those present.

One remembers strolling through the gates with the family and thousands of others to witness Australia's all-time leading run-scorer hit an unbeaten 83 off 46 delivers.

Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughead smashed Brett Lee for six, Matthew Richardson dropped an elementary catch and South Launceston's Alec Smith picked up the best bowling figures of 2-29 under lights.

Aside from the ridiculously overpriced “gourmet” sausages with onion at $10 a pop, it was undoubtedly the best sporting event this city (arguably Tasmania) has hosted  – producing what at the time was the largest crowd for a cricket match in Tasmania.

On Friday, fans will get their second chance with Ricky’s Biggest Game of Cricket set to make good use of a normally bare University of Tasmania Stadium for a good cause.

Punter will captain North Melbourne featuring the likes of Brent Harvey, Glenn Archer, Anthony Stevens, Mick Martyn and Peter Siddle against a Damien Fleming-led Hawthorn side with Luke Hodge, Jarryd Roughead, Alastair Clarkson, Shane Crawford and John Hastings in their line up.

There are not many blokes in Australia that could cobble such an event together – kudos to Ponting and his long-time manager James Henderson. Those who stand to benefit – Launceston, sport lovers and Northern Tasmania’s most sick.

The Hodgman government have pledged to match dollar-for-dollar every cent raised for the Ponting Foundation to distribute into its cancer and health related projects within the state.

As Roughead, Hawthorn’s new skipper, put it last week: “if some of these families can come and just enjoy the day and switch off from obviously though times, hopefully we can put a smile on their face and make them not think about what they are going through.” 

That’s what the extravaganza will be all about.

If the cricket isn’t a big enough reason for people to head to Invermay, the cause surely is.

The Ponting Foundation has done wonderful things since 2008 and these events are a great testament to the character of Mowbray Cricket Club’s favourite son.

With cheap entry – adults $10, under-16s $5 and reserved seating an additional $5 – the event has been made accessible to everyone.

Get along, as there is every chance the sequel will be as good as the original.