Thought For The Day – Wednesday 7th January 2026
The Pink Test
We hope you had a great start to the new term yesterday.
In these very cold climes, sunshine has been coming through the radio in the last few weeks, thanks to the outstanding “B.B.C. Test Match Special” coverage of the men’s “test” cricket matches between Australia and England. These games come twenty years after the iconic series, in England, between the teams. The “baggy green caps” of Australia have deservedly won the latest series.
Every year in Australia, the Sydney Test Match, played at a ground that combines the ancient and modern, is always special. Further, in recent times, it has been known as “The Pink Test”.
“The Pink Test” was set up in memory of Jane McGrath, who was married to the great Australian fast bowler, Glenn McGrath. Both Jane and Glenn are pictured above. Glenn, known for his outstanding consistency and accuracy of bowling, was part of one of the greatest ever cricket teams. Jane passed away from breast cancer in 2006. Jane was a prominent cancer support campaigner, and established a foundation, “The Jane McGrath Foundation” in 2005 to raise money to fund breast cancer care nurses in Australia.
Glenn has continued this legacy in Jane’s memory. Glenn, and the “Jane McGrath Foundation” generally, has raised funds for breast cancer care, providing a breast cancer nurse in every area of Australia. Each year, the Sydney test match, is designated as “The Pink Test” and day of the test is dedicated as “Jane McGrath Day”.
This is the 18th “Pink Test”. The wickets are painted pink, the players wear pink caps and pink lettering and numbers on their shirts ,and spectators are encouraged to wear pink. A spectator area at the ground is named “The Jane McGrath Stand” for the day. This year, people can pay for a virtual pink seat, with the name of a loved one on the virtual seat, to raise further awareness and funds and celebrate further lives. Yesterday, at the match, there was a parade of people affected by cancer and those who have cared for them.
Positivity and care are the messages of “The Pink Test” and “Jane McGrath Day”.
In recent times, the charity has been extended as it aims to provide care. through nurses, for all cancers. Nurses around the world help those suffering from cancer and their families. I in 2 people in Australia will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. A statistic, says Glenn, that will be replicated in other countries.
Early yesterday morning, Glenn discussed this charity with Emma Agnew, who is married to legendary B.B.C. cricket commentator, and former England cricket player, Jonathan Agnew. Emma has herself suffered breast cancer. The thoughtful and inspirational discussion, which includes such wise life advice, concludes with a most poignant e-mail sent to the programme by a listener.
We keep in our hearts all who have suffered and suffer cancer, their families, and all who care for them.
Listen to the excellent discussion with Glenn and Emma here, after 28 minutes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0msb0wg
