There was time for a game of backyard cricket amid formal proceedings when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted players and families of the Australian and Pakistani Test teams.

Both sides and their families visited the PM’s Kirribilli residence overlooking Sydney Harbour on Monday night, ahead of the third Test at the SCG starting Wednesday.

Skippers Pat Cummins and Shan Masood posed for photos and exchanged gifts with Mr Albanese, who said it was a great honour to host them and their teams.

“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,” Mr Albanese said.

“This year’s annual event is extra special, as we also acknowledge the success of our men’s and women’s cricketers, who have both won World Cup titles in the last 12 months as well as retained the Ashes.”

Some of the cricketers’ children played a very scenic game of backyard cricket while players including David Warner and Shaheen Afridi looked on.

With Australia leading the series 2-0, the hosts have already secured the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.

However, Wednesday’s Pink Test will be a chance for the teams to advance their standing in the ICC World Test Championship.

Started by former test bowler Glenn McGrath in 2009 to honour his late wife Jane, the Pink Test series has raised over $22 million to help fund breast cancer support services.

McGrath, who also attended the prime minister’s event, thanked the public for getting behind the initiative.

“We’re looking forward to another great Pink Test and thank both the Australian and Pakistan teams for uniting in pink as we work towards our goal of reaching 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses this year,” he said.

Cricket Australia Chair and former premier of NSW, Mike Baird said Sydney’s Pink Test demonstrated the best of the Australian spirit.

“The public’s support for the Pink Test continues to go from strength to strength and it’s very special that this iconic Test Match makes a real difference to the lives of families experiencing breast cancer around Australia,” he said.

Duncan Murray
(Australian Associated Press)