Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms Jodie Haydon welcomed the Australian and England men’s cricket teams to Kirribilli House in Sydney on Wednesday night, continuing a New Year’s Day reception that has become part of the summer cricket routine.
The gathering came on the eve of the fifth NRMA Insurance Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Australia leading the series 3-1 after retaining the Ashes in Adelaide. Players and families from both sides were joined by British High Commissioner Dame Sarah MacIntosh, Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird, England and Wales Cricket Board Chair Richard Thompson and representatives of the McGrath Foundation, the charity partner of the Pink Test.
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Australian and English teams and their families to Kirribilli House, ahead of the final Ashes test,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Ashes is one of the great events in world sport and Australians are enormously proud we have been able to retain the urn.”
Mr Albanese pointed to the crowds and audiences that have followed the series. “The packed stadiums and huge viewing audiences throughout the series have emphasised the enduring nature of the historic Ashes rivalry which continues to play a significant role in our relationship with England,” he said.
Attention now turns to the Pink Test, which begins on January 4 and raises funds for cancer care through the McGrath Foundation. “We’re all hoping for an exciting end to the series at the ‘Pink Test’ where Glenn McGrath and the McGrath Foundation continue their amazing fundraising efforts to provide care of those affected by cancer and support for their families,” the Prime Minister said.
Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird described the series as memorable on and off the field. “This has been a very special Ashes series with the performances of the teams entertaining millions of Australians and fans across the world and we are grateful to the Prime Minister and Ms Haydon for welcoming the players and their families,” he said.
“Everyone in Australian Cricket is immensely proud of the way the Australian team has performed and grateful to England and Wales Cricket Board and England fans for their contribution to what has been an immensely enjoyable time for our game.”
Mr Baird said the finale carried added meaning. “It is fitting this will culminate with the NRMA Insurance Pink Test where the McGrath Foundation continues to bring Australians together to help with its amazing commitment to improve the lives of families experiencing cancers of all kinds,” he said.
Since 2009, Cricket Australia, Venues NSW, the Sydney Cricket Ground and the McGrath Foundation have worked together to build the Pink Test into one of the world’s largest charity sporting events.
McGrath Foundation President and co-founder Glenn McGrath said the context of an Ashes series added weight to the occasion. “The NRMA Insurance Pink Test is always incredibly special, and when it’s part of an Ashes series it only amplifies its significance. Cricket has a unique power to bring people together, and the Pink Test shows how sport can also drive meaningful change,” he said.
He thanked the hosts and supporters behind the scenes. “I’d like to thank Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms Haydon for hosting us at Kirribilli House, and I am sincerely grateful to the Federal Government for its ongoing support of the McGrath Foundation, to Cricket Australia for their longstanding partnership, and to both the Australian and England teams for getting behind our cause,” Mr McGrath said.
“We are especially thankful to the cricket community and Australians across the country who support the Pink Test each year. Their generosity is critical in helping us work towards our goal of ensuring that no one with cancer misses out on the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.”
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