Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is an avid cricket fan, hosted the players from the England and Australian teams ahead of the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on Sunday, January 4. They had gathered at Kirribilli House on Thursday to share some light-hearted moments off the field.
The customary annual New Year's Day reception came in the aftermath of the Boxing Day Test, which was held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Test match ended within two days
as England ended their three-match losing streak in the series.
Referring to that result, Albanese jokingly urged the two teams to try their best to take the Sydney Test to at least Day 3. He underscored the importance of the third day, which is observed as Jane McGrath Day. It raises awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation, which aids families affected by breast cancer.
Legendary former Australian speedster Glenn McGrath spearheads the initiative, which started after his wife Jane died following a battle with the dreaded disease.
“Day three in this Test is really important. More than the others,” Albanese was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. “So whatever you do, if things are going wrong, just get someone to play out a couple of sessions, because we do want day three.”
Taking to X later, Albanese described the five-match series as “unlike any other” and opined the SCG would turn into a “sea of pink” as Australian fans and the Barmy Army support the foundation’s work in unison.
The 90-minute reception, hosted by Albanese and his wife Jodie Haydon, saw players and officials from both nations enjoying the seafood menu. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg and chairman Mike Baird were also present, while Glenn McGrath addressed the gathering on behalf of the foundation.
Australia already retained the Ashes after winning the first three games of the series. While the Aussies have beaten England comprehensively in Test matches at home in recent years, the three wins in the ongoing series were a significant achievement, as Josh Hazlewood was ruled out ahead of the series, and regular captain Pat Cummins could only play the encounter in Adelaide.
