Glenn McGrath Hopes Sydney Ashes Test Reaches Day 3 for Cancer Awareness Tribute

Glenn McGrath expressed his hope for the fifth Ashes Test to reach its third day, dedicated to the cancer charity founded in his late wife’s name.

With the final Ashes Test set for Sydney, Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath has a special hope for the match: that it lasts until at least the third day. This comes after the previous Test in Melbourne finished inside two days, a result linked to a pitch rated “unsatisfactory” by the ICC.

Day three at the Sydney Cricket Ground is traditionally Jane McGrath Day, known as the Pink Test, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation. The charity, supporting individuals affected by breast cancer, was co-founded by Glenn and his wife Jane, who passed away in 2008.

“Fingers crossed the Test gets to day three,” McGrath said. “Which, I think it will, I think the groundsmen will be nervous after what happened in Melbourne and take a bit more grass off.”

England’s two-day victory in Melbourne was the second such short Test this series, though Australia has already retained the Ashes with a 3-1 lead. The focus in Sydney now turns to the pitch preparation to ensure a longer contest.

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SCG curator Adam Lewis expressed confidence in the playing surface. “I’m happy with the colour of the pitch at the moment,” Lewis stated. “We’ll be able to take that colour out of it over the next couple of days… We’re hoping for a nice green tinge on Day 1 so the ball can get some good carry, but a nice and even surface.”

He added, “My gut feeling is that we will see some good batting.” Cricket Australia has hosted the Pink Test since 2009, partnering with the McGrath Foundation to support its mission during the New Year’s match.