Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted players from the Australian and England cricket teams at Kirribilli House on Thursday, ahead of the fifth and final Test of the Ashes series to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The annual New Year’s reception came in the background The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ends in two days. Referring to this result, Albanese jokingly urged both teams to ensure that the Sydney Test lasts at least three days, stressing the importance of the third day being watched as Jane McGrath Day.
During the interview, Albanese said the third day of the Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground had special significance as it raised awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation, which supports families affected by breast cancer. The initiative is led by former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, whose wife Jane died after a battle with the disease.
“The third day of this Test is really important. More than the others,” Albanese said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “So whatever you do, if things aren’t going well, get someone to play a few sessions because we want a third day.
Speaking later at the X, Albanese described the series as “unlike any other” and said the SCG would turn into a “sea of pink” when Australian fans and the Burma Army came together to support the foundation’s work.
Hosted by Albanese and his wife Jodie Haydon, the 90-minute reception featured a seafood menu and was attended by players and officials from both teams. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg and chairman Mike Baird were also in attendance, while Glenn McGrath addressed the gathering on behalf of the foundation.
Australia have already retained the Ashes with an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. However, England snapped an 18-match winless streak in Australia when they won the Boxing Day Test, their first Test win Down Under since 2011.
England captain Ben Stokes accepted the series defeat in a sporting manner, thanking the Prime Minister for his hospitality and highlighting the importance of playing iconic Tests such as Boxing Day and New Year’s matches.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
January 1, 2026
