IND vs AUS Sydney Test: Sydney’s ‘Pink Test’ to spread awareness about cancer holds special significance for Sam Constas as the young Australian batsman has lost close members of his family to the deadly disease.
The Sydney Test has been played as the ‘Pink Test’ since 2009 in honor of Jane, the late wife of legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath. Jane died in 2008 after battling breast cancer. The McGraw Foundation has raised millions of dollars for this cause.
During an interview on ‘Triple M’ Cricket, Constas told how his cousin had died of leukemia and his grandfather had died of bowel cancer. He hoped the match at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) would continue to raise awareness about the disease. “Obviously it’s a special event, the McGraw Foundation, and hopefully we’ll spread more awareness about cancer, raise funds because I remember my cousin having leukemia and my grandfather having bowel cancer,” Kontas said. Had passed away from.
“Obviously we hope to spread awareness and find a cure,” he said. Constas was involved in a heated argument with India captain Jasprit Bumrah during the fifth Test here but the 19-year-old batsman said he was moved by the incident. Didn’t get upset. It all started when Constas clashed with Bumrah who was becoming frustrated with Usman Khawaja taking extra time to prepare to bat. The clash led to the intervention of the umpires and Bumrah later dismissed Khawaja on the final ball of the day and gave a farewell gesture to Constas.
“I wasn’t too worried,” Constas said. Unfortunately, Uzi (Khwaja) was out. He was trying to buy some time. Maybe it was my fault but it happens. This is cricket.” He said, ”Credit goes to Bumrah. He took the wicket but obviously the team performed brilliantly.” Constas, making his debut during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), faced Bumrah boldly and played a courageous inning of 60 runs in 65 balls. The home team won that match by 184 runs and then defeated India by six wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to win the five-match series 3-1, ending their 10-year wait.
“Yeah, it was pretty special,” Kontas said. Mark Taylor gave me my bag and made it even better with the win today, the team performed brilliantly.” He said, ”The team performed brilliantly and allowed me to play my natural game. Pat Cummins is a great leader and hopefully we will continue to do so in the future.” The defeat in the series also dashed India’s hopes of making it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). Now Australia will face South Africa in the final.
Constas is expected to be included in the squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour after impressing against India.
