Never in a million years did Glenn McGrath predict day three of the Sydney Test would transform into what it has.
It was impossible to look anywhere at the SCG on Saturday without seeing almost every shade of pink imaginable as supporters, Australian and Indian alike, got into the spirit of Jane McGrath Day. Pink beards, pink suits, pink ponytails, even socks, shoes and advertising hoardings were pink.
A sea of pink greets players on day three of the Sydney Test, which honours the legacy of Jane McGrath.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
Cricket Australia boss Kevin Roberts shook his pink money tin along with dozens of other volunteers, asking for donations to the McGrath Foundation, which has raised almost $1 million during this Pink Test.
Prime minister Scott Morrison used the occasion to announce $27 million in funding to support 41 breast cancer care nurses, which is the McGrath Foundation's primary aim.
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“Were very pleased to do that,” Morrison said. “That will mean that almost 100 of those breast care nurses that are now supported through the McGrath Foundation will be supported by the Commonwealth government."
Mr Morrison hailed the "enormous leadership" of former Test bowler Glenn McGrath, who is carrying on the legacy of his late wife.
An Indian flag is raised among the pink shirts and hats in the stands on day three. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
"The army of people out there today shaking the tins and organising the functions … its quite a machine and you should be proud Glenn,” he said.
McGrath will always be remembered for his feats on the cricket pitch and devastating accuracy with the ball but the pride of his post-career achievements in raising not only millions of dollars but untold awareness gives him a thrill.
“To think whats been created over the last 11 Pink Tests has been absolutely incredible,” McGrath said. “Jane would think it was absolutely amazing. Shed be very humbled by it and probably slightly embarrassed that everyone is making such a fuss but she would be very proud.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced $27 million in funding for breast cancer nurses. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer
From pink stumps to a pink scoreboard and pink lining on the front of the Members Stand, to pink stickers on players bats, almost all of the 36,123 people at the ground embraced the greater meaning of a day now entrenched on the Australian sporting calendar.
That Kohli, the worlds No.1 batsman, India's captain and a player who has become a walking billboard, organised to have pink on his bat, pads and gloves for this match, speaks volumes about the significance of the day.
Glenn McGrath presents Josh Hazlewood and the Australian players with special caps for the Pink Test, which raises funds for the McGrath Foundation.Credit:AAP
“That was absolutely amazing,” McGrath said. “Its been a huge sign of respect that both teams, the Australian team and the touring team, have got behind the foundation and made this day even better than what we thought it could be. Its very humbling that someone like Virat would do that.”
Money raised from the Test and the $27 million of federal government funding will increase the number of McGrath Foundation nurses to 161 and there are hopes that figure will double in the next five or six years.
Tom Decent is a journalist with Fairfax Media.
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