The Sydney cricket Test has been helping fight breast cancer for 16 years – but now a HUGE change is being made to the famous pink match

  • McGrath Foundation has announced a major transition
  • The annual Pink Test at the SCG starts on Friday

For sixteen years, the Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground has raised money for breast cancer charity the McGrath Foundation, but this year there is a big change to the famous match.

The entire SCG turns pink every year in honor of cricket legend Glenn McGrath’s late wife, Jane, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2008 at the age of 42.

Around half of all Aussies will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, so the McGrath Foundation has announced it will no longer limit itself to just helping people with one form of the disease.

From 2025, the foundation will dedicate its care to all forms of cancer – with this year’s fundraising campaign aiming to sell 350,000 Virtual Pink Seats.

Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said: “The Pink Test has always been a very special moment in the cricket calendar. We are pleased to support Glenn on this momentous occasion and continue our partnership with the McGrath Foundation to help them improve their care even further.”

Holly Masters, CEO of the McGrath Foundation, said: “McGrath Cancer Care Nurses will provide free clinical, psychosocial and emotional support to people and their families across Australia. Ensuring greater equity in cancer care is our driving force and the Pink Test is just the beginning.”

Most Australians have a story about how cancer has affected their lives in some way, and the country’s best cricketers are no different.

The McGrath Foundation, with the support of Cricket Australia, has announced that its care goes beyond breast cancer (pictured, Glenn McGrath, left, and Australian skipper Pat Cummins at the SCG on New Year’s Day)

The entire SCG turns pink every year in honor of cricket legend Glenn McGrath's late wife Jane (pictured with the former fast bowler)

The entire SCG turns pink every year in honor of cricket legend Glenn McGrath’s late wife, Jane (pictured with the former fast bowler)

Captain Pat Cummins’ mother Maria died of breast cancer in May last year, and the cricket legend has said that this was the most difficult period of his life and completely changed his view of his priorities.

“In some ways it really makes you focus on what I think is important. It’s family, it’s enjoyment, trying to find joy in life and I think that’s been a little bit of a change in the way I’ve approached playing and touring and it’s just given me that real clean-up mentality,” Cummins shared. News Corp.

“When you go out you just want to play well and of course there will be pressure, but you don’t want to forget that what mum and dad always said to us when we went out to play as kids was that we had to go. and enjoy it. Do your best, but make sure you enjoy it.

‘I try to remind myself of that every time I go on tour or play.

Whatever you choose, there is always an opportunity cost. And I think that’s probably been the case for the last few years.

“When you go on tour, you might miss family time or moments. That’s a conscious choice, so make sure you get the most out of that tour or that game, if that makes sense.’

Cummins has made the big decision to spend more time at home after his second child was born – even if it means missing playing Test cricket for Australia.

The Australian Test skipper is expecting his second child with wife Becky in January or early February, around the time the Aussies are scheduled to play two Tests against Sri Lanka.

The McGrath Foundation has become one of Australia's most recognized and respected charities and plays a prominent role in the country's cricket scene

The McGrath Foundation has become one of Australia’s most recognized and respected charities and plays a prominent role in the country’s cricket scene

Gordon, the father of fellow Australian cricketer Alex Carey, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2021 – and the Australian star is pleased the foundation is now offering support for all types of cancer.

“Extending this to all cancers will certainly help many families in Australia. Our family was affected by cancer through Dad and I think the biggest thing we look back on is the help he received and the support he received from the nurses and the doctors during that time. So broadening it will mean a lot across Australia,” Carey said.

“(Dad) is good now. Fortunately he is on the mend. With the uncertainty of what’s going to happen next, I think that’s where the McGrath Foundation is so special, not only with the medical side of it, but also with the support that not only the patient needs, but their families need as well.

“You really build great relationships with people during that time… and Dad still speaks to a lot of those nurses and doctors who helped him in those early days.”

Pat CumminsAustralia Cricket