SYDNEY, January 2, 2023: Players and families of the Australian and Pakistan men’s cricket teams attended the annual New Year’s Day Reception co-hosted by Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP and Ms Jodie Haydon at the Kirribilli House in Sydney last night.
Prime Minister, Hon Anthony Albanese MP said, “It’s an honour to welcome Pat Cummins, Shan Masood, their two teams and families to Kirribilli House.
“Our Australian men’s players have spoken of the warm reception they received in their most recent tour of Pakistan in 2022, so Jodie and I are thrilled to play a part in reciprocating this hospitality.
The event was held ahead of the third NRMA Insurance Test Match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting on 3 January 2024, with Australia leading the series 2-0. While Australia have secured the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, both teams will be looking to advance their chances in the ICC World Test Championship in the final match of the series.
Also in attendance were former Australian captains Alex Blackwell and Lisa Sthalekar, together with former England player, Isa Guha and other current cricket commentators, along with representatives from the McGrath Foundation, the official charity partner of the NRMA Insurance Pink Test, says a Cricket Australia media release.
Cricket Australia Chair, Mike Baird AO said, “The Pink Test in Sydney demonstrates the best of the Australian spirit and we are incredibly proud to continue the affiliation with the McGrath Foundation for the 16th year. The public’s support for the Pink Test continues to go from strength to strength and its very special that this iconic Test Match makes a real difference to the lives of families experiencing breast cancer around Australia.
“Thank you to the Pakistan team for their support of the Pink Test and we look forward to what will be another terrific Test match at the SCG.”
McGrath Foundation Co-Founder and President, Glenn McGrath AM, “It’s great to be at Kirribilli House ahead of the 16th Pink Test. We’re so grateful for the support that we’ve had from the public, our partners, the Australian Government and both the Australian and touring sides over the past 16 Pink Tests.
