Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted players from the Australian and England cricket teams at Kirribilli House for his annual New Year’s Day reception on Thursday, ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). During the 90-minute function, Albanese joked that both teams should ensure the match reaches day three—a significant occasion marking Jane McGrath Day, which raises awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation supporting families affected by breast cancer.

Albanese’s lighthearted request: “Let’s make it to day three”

The Australian PM’s humorous plea came after the dramatic two-day finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Boxing Day Test, where England secured their first Test win in Australia since 2011. Albanese emphasized the importance of day three at the SCG, which will see the stadium turn into a “sea of pink” as fans from both sides support the McGrath Foundation, an initiative headed by Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath, who lost his wife Jane to breast cancer.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Albanese wrote: “It’s been an Ashes series unlike any other. And from Sunday the SCG will be a sea of pink with Aussie fans and the Barmy Army supporting the great work of the McGrath Foundation. Let’s go Australia.”

During the reception, Albanese was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald saying: “Day three in this Test is really important. More than the others. So whatever you do, if things are going wrong, just get someone to play out a couple of sessions, because we do want day three. It is something very special. I am sure it will be record crowds again, as there have been around the country.”

A classy function at Kirribilli House

Players from both teams were hosted by Albanese and his wife, Jodie Haydon, for the 90-minute reception featuring oysters, tuna tartare, prawns, juices, and sparkling water on the menu. The event was also attended by Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg and chairman Mike Baird, while Glenn McGrath gave an address on behalf of the McGrath Foundation, highlighting the charity’s vital work.

England captain Ben Stokes reflects on tour

England captain Ben Stokes took the series defeat sportingly, thanking the Australian PM for his hospitality and reflecting on a tour that has been filled with mixed emotions.

“Thanks for bringing us into your home. The hospitality has been amazing. The cricket has not gone the way we would have liked, but Australia holds some special memories for the likes of myself, Joe [Root] and some other guys who have been here before,” Stokes said.

“We obviously came here with a goal in mind. We did not quite manage to achieve it, but we get to play in some pretty iconic Test matches, with Boxing Day being one of them, and the New Year’s Test being one of them.”

Stokes also joked that his post-match speech at the reception would be like “Perth and Melbourne”, where both Tests saw two-day finishes.

England aiming for 3-2 to salvage pride

Australia have already sealed the Ashes series with an unassailable 3-1 lead, but England will be desperate to finish the tour on a high by securing a 3-2 scoreline in Sydney. The MCG victory snapped their 18-match winless streak in Australia and provided some much-needed momentum heading into the final Test.

The tour has already produced memorable moments for England, including Joe Root’s long-awaited maiden Test century on Australian soil and pacer Josh Tongue’s MCG five-wicket haul—England’s first Test fifer at the MCG in the 21st century.

England will be playing for the Three Lions badge and fierce English pride, hoping to return home with positive memories and a respectable final scoreline.