"My cousin passed away with leukemia and my grandpa with bowel cancer" - Young Australian cricketer reflects on the importance of Pink Test

Young Australian opener Sam Konstas spoke about the importance of the Pink Test, which is played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Any Test played in Sydney has been celebrated as the Pink Test since 2009. It is done so in honor of Jane, the late wife of legendary Australian pacer Glen McGrath.

Jane passed away in 2008 after fighting breast cancer. The McGrath Foundation not only raises funds for the cause but also spreads awareness through the Pink Test in Sydney.

The young Australian spoke to Triple M after his side's 3-1 series win in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Konstas revealed why the Pink Test is important and close to him as well.

“It’s a special event for the McGrath Foundation, hopefully, we spread more awareness and get the funds in because my cousin passed away with Leukemia and my grandpa with bowel cancer. So hopefully, we can spread awareness and work towards a cure,” the 19-year-old stated.

The first day of the fifth BGT 2024-25 Test in Sydney saw an attendance of 47,998. The crowd turnout broke the record for the highest single-day attendance in Sydney, going past 44,901 in 2003-04.

Players from India donned white jerseys with pink features throughout the Sydney Test. Meanwhile, the Australian players sported pink numbers on the back of their jerseys.

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Konstas talks about his experience playing for Australia in the BGT 2024-25 series

The Australian youngster had an eventful debut Test series for Australia. He scored 113 runs in the series, playing two Tests, at an average of 28.25 and a best score of 60.

Konstas stated that the feeling had not kicked in yet but mentioned that finishing the series with a win in Sydney was outstanding.

“It’s been quite special. To top it off with a win today was outstanding. I don’t think it’s kicked in yet, hopefully in the next few days it will, soak it in, reflect on it, but it’s been awesome,” he told Triple M.

The right-hander also added that the Australian team let him play his natural game and lauded Pat Cummins for his leadership.

“The team’s been outstanding to me, just letting me play my natural game. Pat Cummins is a great leader and hopefully we can keep going on," he said.