SCG Ashes Test to turn pink in support of McGrath Foundation

“The atmosphere at the Pink Test is unlike anything else in sport, it’s just incredible”

The sight of the SCG bathed in pink is recognisable to all within the game. Set against the backdrop of the piercingly blue Sydney sky and rich green stadium roof the annual Vodafone Ashes Pink Test is always looked forward to fondly in the Australian cricket calendar.

2022 will be no different. England’s Ashes Test at the SCG will see the stadium turn pink in support of people with breast cancer, raising money for the McGrath Foundation who fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia. 

Tracy Bevan is an ambassador and director for the charity: “The McGrath Foundation was born from the vision of my beautiful best friend, Jane McGrath and her husband (former Australia bowler) Glenn after Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer aged only 31,” Bevan tells The Cricketer. 

“It was only after Jane was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer that she first had access to a breast care nurse. She saw this nurse as ‘an angel’ who was able to help her through the experience. It was then that Jane decided she wanted every person in Australia experiencing breast cancer to have access to one of these nurses. 

^{McGrath and the Australian team at the 2020 Pink Test}

“When Jane sadly passed away in 2008, there were already four McGrath Breast Care Nurses being funded and Jane’s vision for the future was clear. It was up to us to continue her legacy.

“The Vodafone Ashes Pink Test is a fantastic fundraising event and my favourite time of year. Since 2009, Cricket Australia, Sydney Cricket Ground and the McGrath Foundation have worked together to make it one of the biggest charitable sporting events in the world.”

Funds are raised by those at the ground, but supporters who may not be able to make it to the SCG can purchase a Virtual Pink Seat.

“Our hope is that we can make this the ‘pinkest’ Ashes ever by beating the record for the biggest Ashes crowd in Australia. We’ll need your help to fill our virtual stadium with over 240,000 pink seats. This will ensure that 3,400 individuals experiencing breast cancer and their families will have the support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse this year.”

^{Tracy Bevan is an ambassador and director for the McGrath Foundation}

Alongside the Boxing Day Test, the New Year’s Test is an integral part of the Australian summer. Australians fondly recall Steve Waugh reaching his century off the final ball of the day of the Ashes Test at the SCG in 2003. It was a day the captain described as his “perfect day” of cricket and while on-field events are typically unpredictable, the 2022 Sydney Test will be just as memorable.

“The atmosphere at the Pink Test is unlike anything else in sport, it’s just incredible,” Bevan continues. “It’s like pink is more than a colour, it’s an attitude, a visual show of support and has the power to make a difference to families experiencing breast cancer right across Australia, and everyone who gets involved, whether it’s at the ground or watching from home, contributes to that.” 

A ‘Pink Army’ of volunteers will be in the stadium collecting donations in exchange for the foundation’s iconic pink bandanas, adding to the unifying atmosphere.

“The Pink Test has people travel from far and wide to get involved and show their support. Everyone has a love for the game and an enthusiasm to make a difference for people experiencing breast cancer. There’s a real sense of unity and hope when everyone comes together in pink. 

^{The Australian team present their pink caps back to McGrath}

“We also see it beyond the SCG, with people holding pink parties or events or showing their support online. We hope that everyone, no matter where they are, will join us in making this the ‘pinkest’ Ashes ever by buying their virtual pink seats at pinktest.com.au.”

All the money raised will go towards a goal to ensure nobody goes through breast cancer without the care of a McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse, for whom Jane was so thankful for. The foundation currently has 171 nurses who need to be funded each year and the charity hope to raise enough to fund another 79 nurses. 

Notably, the McGrath Foundation provides their incredible support for free.

Since the first Pink Test in 2009, the McGrath Foundation have turned one of cricket’s most famous occasions, the Australian New Year’s Test, into a vibrant and wonderful occasion in aid of a hugely worthy cause.

Find out more about the McGrath Foundation please click here. To donate to the Pink Test please click here