IND vs AUS: Why Did India Wear Pink on Day 3 of the Sydney Test?

On Sunday, the Indian team wore kits with pink details, including pink nameplates, numbers, and shoulder stripes, as part of the Pink Day observance on Day 3 of the Sydney Test. This special day is also known as Jane McGrath Day, named in honor of Glenn McGrath’s late wife, Jane, an

Australian cricket icon. At the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), spectators also wear pink to support the cause, and the Ladies Stand is renamed the Jane McGrath Stand for the day. This initiative raises funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation, which focuses on breast cancer research and support. The Pink Test, traditionally held as the first Test of the year in Sydney, is a significant event in this fundraising effort.

Jane McGrath was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, two years before her marriage to Glenn. After undergoing treatment, she was declared cancer-free and went on to have two children. In 2005, she and Glenn founded the McGrath Foundation, dedicated to supporting breast cancer awareness. Unfortunately, her cancer relapsed in 2006, and she passed away in June 2008.

In the match, India was eliminated from the World Test Championship final after Australia secured a six-wicket victory in the fifth and final Test. With the win, Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years and clinched a place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, scheduled at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.

While India set a target of 162, defending it became a near-impossible task after Virat Kohli took over as captain, with Jasprit Bumrah struggling with painful back spasms. Bumrah, who claimed the Player of the Series award for his 32 wickets over five matches, could not provide the much-needed support, and India’s poor performance reflected a difficult transition phase for the team.