India-Australia T20I in Sydney to go pink

Melbourne, 18 January -  The Twenty20 International between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 31 will turn pink to support the McGrath Foundation after rain washed out a large part of the annual Commonwealth Bank Sydney Pink Test.

The McGrath Foundation, run by Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath, set a fundraising total of $380,000 for the Sydney Pink Test -- enough to fund one McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse for three years -- but due to rain fundraising fell short of the target, according to a Cricket Australia (CA) release.

The Foundation’s biggest fundraising day, Jane McGrath Day, named after Glenn's late wife Jane -- day three of the Test -- was hit particularly hard by the rain, leading to the least attended Jane McGrath Day since its inception in 2009.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said: “The Pink Test had a goal to raise $380,000 for the McGrath Foundation but the weather prevented us from reaching the total. Despite the constant rain, the cricket community still showed strong support during the Pink Test, helping raise more than $250,000.

“While we can’t control the weather, we do have other international matches ahead, and the third T20 International at the SCG on January 31 will be used to raise important funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation.

“The match is close to a sell-out, giving thousands of cricket fans the chance to again support this important cause by wearing pink.”

The January 31 match between Australia and India marks the return of T20Is to the SCG.

Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust chief executive Jamie Barkley said: “The SCG Trust is proud of its long-term relationship with Glenn and the McGrath Foundation.

“We’re delighted that the 31 January T20 International between Australia and India will give cricket fans another chance to turn the SCG pink and help the foundation reach its fundraising targets.”

The  T20 between Australia and India at the SCG on January 31 is turning pink with the support of long-term CA partner , who are supporting the event in the wake of the rain-affected Pink Test.

McGrath Foundation co-founder and president, Glenn McGrath, said: “The McGrath Foundation is extremely grateful for the generosity and ongoing support of Cricket Australia, the SCG Trust and the Australian cricket community.

“Turning the  T20 International pink gives the McGrath Foundation the opportunity to raise much needed funds to continue placing McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia,” he added.