While Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood watches the Ashes from the sidelines due to injury, his sister's crucial work off the field is proving just as impactful. The spotlight on day three of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Test turned to the McGrath Foundation's 18th annual Pink Test fundraiser, a cause now personally supported by the Hazlewood family.
A Family Affair: Cricket and Care
Led by cricket legend Glenn McGrath, the foundation celebrated another powerful Jane McGrath Day, aiming to raise funds for its network of in-home cancer nurses. Among the 343 nurses currently employed is Casey Hazlewood (Hillier), sister of the injured paceman. Based in Tamworth, Casey has specialised in breast cancer care with the foundation for just over 12 months.
"Josh's sister is one of our nurses as well. It's in the family, I guess you could say," McGrath remarked, highlighting the personal connections that strengthen the charity's mission. He added, "Hopefully Hoff (Hazlewood) will be back soon ... unfortunately it's part of sport, injuries."
An SCG Awash in Pink Support
The iconic Sydney ground was transformed into a sea of pink for the summer's final home Test, marking the fifth time Jane McGrath Day has coincided with an Ashes series. The event holds a special connection to England, despite McGrath's legendary status for Australia. His late wife Jane was English, as are the foundation's chief executive Holly Masters and director Tracy Bevan.
McGrath expressed particular pride in seeing the touring England supporters, the Barmy Army, fully embrace the cause. "To look around the crowd here and see the English logo on a pink shirt, that speaks volumes," he said. He noted the profound respect shown by both teams, but especially praised the touring side for their consistent support each year.
Full Circle from the Ashes
This Ashes series represents a significant full-circle moment for McGrath and the foundation he built. He retired from Test cricket following England's 2005-06 tour, transitioning from a champion bowler to a champion for families facing cancer. Since its inception, the foundation has supported more than 167,000 families since 2005.
Reflecting on the journey, McGrath acknowledged the incredible achievements but emphasised the road ahead. "What's been achieved at the foundation in that time has been incredible," he stated. "But we realise we've got a long way to go." The ongoing mission is clear: to fund more specialist nurses like Casey Hazlewood, ensuring no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a McGrath nurse.
