Dr Chapman does not want to see any of the cricketers end up on her turf - she promotes stretching, hydration and lots of sunscreen use - but hoped part of the reason behind their performance might get people thinking differently at the emergency department.

The annual Ballarat Indians Lions versus the Raiders (rest of Ballarat) showdown is channelling its efforts towards raising awareness and funds for Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital later this month.

While BHS' emergency department has strong performance ratings for its sickest and most urgent cases, Dr Chapman said it was the next tier of patients who needed a little more attention.

"It's about working smarter and looking at different ways we can do things. At the moment we're just getting busier and busier, so it's about tapping into other resources out there, like 24-hour pharmacies are fantastic or visiting your GP (general practitioner) or other programs the hospital does, like Hospital in the Home," Dr Chapman said.

"It's those who are not GP cases, like those with abdominal pain, who we can't see in a chair or in the corridor, often they're at a disadvantage when we don't have a bed free and to get them comfortable."

Friends of India is donating 100 per cent of money raised to the emergency department to provide more efficient strategies and space use for all patients, particularly in the existing space until the Base Hospital building project was complete.

The cricket match was sparked by Indian doctors at the hospital, keen to let their love for cricket and gala parties make a difference.

A post-match cricket-themed gala event will feature former Australian Test cricketer Brad Hodge at Civic Hall.

Friends of India founder and president Sanjay Sharma, who is also an anaesthetist, said the Network's focus was on inclusion and giving back to the community via the hospital.

"We are a public hospital with government funding but those of us who work in the public hospital know how much you have to make things stretch," Dr Sharma said. "There are things you can't achieve with public funding - you need extra money to make things work sometimes."

Past cricket matches have also highlighted the needs for equipment, stroke recovery and family violence prevention.

Ballarat Cricket Association has come on board in support for the event this summer, helping encourage awareness in cricketing circles.

Dr Sharma said there would be a great picnic environment with children's activities on site to interest everyone at the game.

For those keeping score, Rest of Ballarat Raiders are winning the series 2-1 and the Indian Lions are keen to level the tally.

Indian Lions are led by Ajay Reddie and feature a group of predominantly young professionals.

Physiotherapist Matt Clark captains the Raiders whose line-up features BCA Cleary medallist and Wendouree A-grade premiership skipper Matt Skinner, hotelier and prominent businessman Simon Coghlan and The Courier sports journalist Tim O'Connor.

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