A unique Australia vs India cricket match will kick off this Test Series tonight as two major supporter groups come together to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
Indian supporters, The Swami Army will go head to head with the Richie Benaud tribute group The Richies, in a series of charity matches to support the McGrath Foundation’s mission to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia.
The first match is tonight, on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test, with additional matches following on Day 1 of the Perth Test, and the Domain Pink Test in Sydney.
The Sydney Pink Test has become the largest sporting fundraising initiative in Australia where the cricket community, both on and off the field, wear pink as a symbolic show of support for those experiencing breast cancer and raise much needed funds for the McGrath Foundation.
The Swami Army is the largest, organised group of supporters of the Indian cricket team formed during India’s tour to Australia in Season 2003/04 by a group of die-hard Indian cricket supporters, using the Swami Army moniker as a bit of fun while following their beloved Indian team around Australia in that season.
“The McGrath Foundation’s cause is one that’s close to all of our hearts. We love the passion and entertainment The Richies provide to the cricket, something The Swami Army strive for as well. Our mission is to take the banter from the stands out onto the park while raising money for a great cause,” says Swami Army Managing Director Angadh Singh Oberoi.
The Richies have become a regular feature on Day 2 at Test matches ever since a few mates got together a decade ago to pay tribute to former Australian cricket captain and Channel 9 commentator, Richie Benaud.
For The Richies, dressing up includes wearing Richie Benaud wigs, his trademark cream jacket, and branded Channel 9 inflatable microphones.
“We started with 10 Richies in 2010 and now we have grown to more than 1500 participants across Australia. The aim is to give the Swami Army a run for their money while raising money for a good cause, all with a touch of pink,” says Adelaide Richies XI Captain, Max Hughes.
McGrath Foundation Co-Founder and President, Glenn McGrath echoed Hughes’ sentiments.
“The Sydney Pink Test is an iconic marker of the summer cricket season and the charity cricket matches will only add to the experience. We’re urging everyone to dig deep and donate to the McGrath Foundation to help us provide more support to Australians experiencing breast cancer.”
For more information, donate or buy tickets to the Sydney Pink Test visit www.pinktest.com.au.
