The 3rd day of Sydney Test between India vs Australia became pink in honour of Jane McGrath day. This is tradition that has been present for 10 years.
It took a personal experience of trauma for a noble event to be born. Glenn McGrath, the legendary Australia pacer, was one of the top players in world cricket. His wife Jane, though, was unfortunately suffering from breast cancer. After initially overcoming the disease, the cancer returned and Jane McGrath was unfortunately lost to the world. In view of the suffering, Glenn McGrath started the McGrath Foundation in which funds are raised for breast cancer awareness and treatment for communities across Australia.
In order to raise funds, the third day of the Sydney Test for the last 12 years has always been marked the Jane McGrath day. On this day, the stands at the SCG are decked in pink and all the apparell is in pink. The donations are raised and Cricket Australia has gone all out of their way to ensure that the Jane McGrath day is one of the showpiece events of the year. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, fans have expressed support and donations are expected to be generous. There is also a virtual donation platform. The stumps and the stands are decked in pink, the Indian cricket etam has worn pink caps while the Australians have donned the baggy pinks. Here is all the significance of Jane McGrath day in pics on day 3 of the Sydney Test between India and Australia.
1. India cricket team with pink caps
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The Indian cricket team collected their Pink caps from a special bowl which was present near the boundary at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This was in tribute to Jane McGrath, the wife of legendary pacer Glenn McGrath. Jane McGrath died due to breast cancer and the third day of the Sydney Test is always played to raise funds for the McGrath foundation in order to treat breast cancer. (Image credit: Twitter)
2. Jane McGrath stand
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One stand in Sydney has been named the Jane McGrath stand in tribute to her. The first Jane McGrath Test match took place in 2009 and it was the game between South Africa and Australia. The Jane McGrath day sees massive crowds at the SCG and it is one of the showpiece events of the day after the Boxing Day Test. (Image credit: Twitter)
3. Fans attend despite COVID19
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The coronavirus pandemic has limited the number of fans who could attend the game in Sydney. However, with masks and hope, fans still attended the Jane McGrath day and also helped raise donations in a significant manner. (Image credit: Twitter)
4. India team in pink
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The statement by the Jane McGrath foundation on Cricket Australia always states, “McGrath Foundation raises funds to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia, so people can access them for free. When the people the foundation cares about are in need, McGrath Breast Care Nurses are there for support. (Image credit: Twitter)
5. Australia team in pink
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The Australian cricket team as well as the Australian public have always supported the Jane McGrath day in earnest and despite the pandemic, there will be no disappointments when it comes to fund-raising. The Jane McGrath day is a novel way to ensure that awareness and funds can be created by using the right medium of a cricket match. (Image credit: Twitter)
