There was a time when pink was the final color Glenn McGrath would’ve wished in his equipment bag.
But 14 years on from the primary Pink Test and the champion quick bowler has turn out to be synonymous with the color.
Only months after his spouse Jane misplaced her battle with breast most cancers, McGrath got here to Cricket Australia with an thought: Encourage followers to put on pink to the third day of the SCG Test, with the intention of elevating cash to supply most cancers sufferers with breast care nurses.
In the lead-up to the fifteenth Pink Test, performed this yr in opposition to South Africa, McGrath marvelled at how far issues had come.
“When I grew up playing cricket, the one thing I wouldn’t have near my cricket gear was anything pink,” he mentioned.
“Now half my wardrobe’s pink.
“It’s wonderful the place issues go.
“In the last 15 years, we’ve raised over $17 million from the pink Test.”
The SCG Test often falls sufferer to rain and the ultimate match of the present South Africa collection has confirmed no completely different.
But poor climate will not dampen the most recent version of Australian sport’s favorite fundraiser.
The McGrath Foundation is working its digital pink seat program to encourage followers to purchase a “seat” on the Test even when they’re unable to attend in individual.
Support for the initiative prompted McGrath to set a brand new aim of promoting 300,000 seats fairly than 150,000.
The earlier goal had been achieved by 11am on Friday and if the brand new milestone is reached, the McGrath Foundation will have the ability to help 4200 extra people affected by breast most cancers.
“People watching at home or even here (at the SCG) can still get their virtual pink seats whether it’s raining or not,” McGrath mentioned on Friday.
In response to the climate, Cricket Australia deferred its pre-show occasions, together with the presentation of the groups’ pink caps and the annual unfurling of a pink silk picture of Jane McGrath, till day 4.
At the SCG, the group moved to increased floor and sought shelter from the rain that fell on the floor from 9am onwards.
Some patrons have been seen drying their pink apparel in lavatory hand-dryers to make it via the day, whereas others toughed it out carrying pink ponchos within the rain.
“I’m in absolute awe of the Australian public, the way they come out and support this every year,” McGrath mentioned.
“Who would’ve thought you’d have pink combined with cricket.”
