Explained: Why is Sydney Test called the Pink Test?

The Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is set to begin on January 3. 

However, a fan unaware of how the Australian cricket summer and its schedule work might get confused about whether the SCG Test will be played with a pink ball because of the nomenclature. Thankfully for the Indian batters and unfortunately for Mitchell Starc, that’s not the case. 

The Sydney Test is called the Pink Test because the McGrath Foundation will use it as a platform to raise awareness, funds, and advocacy for breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness is associated with the colour pink, so this Test is called the Pink Test. 

McGrath Foundation was created in 2005 after Glenn McGrath’s wife Jane (also the co-founder of the foundation) was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jane succumbed to the disease and passed away on June 22, 2008. 

However, Jane’s experiences with the medical ecosystem during her fight with cancer inspired the McGraths to start a foundation. In its almost two decades of existence, the McGrath Foundation has supported more than 150,000 families across Australia. This year alone (according to their reports), it has supported 15,720 new families nationwide. 

Cricket Australia is one of their many corporate partners who help them further their cause. The foundation also sells virtual seats for the Pink Tests to generate more donations. This bodes well for the cause as well because breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women worldwide. 

Since the cause of breast cancer awareness is associated with the colour pink, the Australian players will be playing the Test match in pink caps. The ladies' stand at the SCG will also be renamed the 'Jane McGrath Stand' on the third day of the Test, known as 'Jane McGrath Day'. The stands at the SCG will also adorn pink colours to symbolise the support for breast cancer awareness, with even the stumps in shades of pink.

So far, 17 such Pink Tests have been played at the SCG, where Australia have won nine, drawn seven (including the one India made in the 2020/21 tour) and lost just one Test. The series is currently poised at 2-1 in favour of the hosts, and India will be gunning to win the Test to level the series and retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).