News Nation Exclusive: Pink Test, a match to fight breast cancer

Australian and English cricketers were seen wearing pink caps at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Australia during the last test match of the series on Thursday. 

Not only the cricketers, but also the umpires were spotted donning caps of the same colour. Supporters of both the countries who were at the SCG to witness the first day of the test match were also adorned in pink colour.

But why Pink? Manu Singh, brand ambassador of India-Australia cricket relationship, in an exclusive interview to News Nation's Ravish Bisht said, “The last test match of The Ashes series is called Pink Test. Every player wears a pink cap and everyone who comes to SCG to witness the game is in pink.”

Singh further added that Pink is a symbol of breast cancer awareness. “Australian former bowler legend Glenn McGrath had set McGrath Foundation in 2005 to fight cancer after his first wife Jane was diagnosed with breast and bone cancer. She went into remission, but the cancer returned and she died in 2008.”

He added that McGrath’s foundation works to educate and create awareness about breast cancer. The legendary bowler's foundation also provides breast cancer support nurses across Australia to assist women suffering from the disease. “At least 119 cancer nurses are provided by McGrath Foundation and expense on each of them is $2 lakh,” said Singh.

Singh further said, “The first Pink Test was played in 2008 and the support from people has increased with every passing year."

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According to Singh, people who come to witness the Pink Test give donations in different forms. “People donate gold coins, auctions are made. Last year, $60,000 were raised in just two hours during a high tea.”

Singh further said, “The Australian government also support the Pink Test and Glenn’s foundation. The Indian community in Australia is also active and supports the noble cause.”

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He added, “Indian community was not aware of the Pink Test earlier. We came to learn about the concept during the last test match of Sachin Tendulkar at SCG in 2010. It was also a Pink Test.”