Indian skipper Virat Kohli might not have had a lasting presence on the crease on Day One of the ongoing Test against Australia, but his heart-warming gesture in support of a breast cancer awareness initiative is definitely going to remain in the hearts of the fans.
The captain had a tinge of pink on his gloves, pads and shoes and was also wielding a bat with a pink grip and stickers when he walked on to the pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday.
The patch of pink in Kohli’s gear was in support of the iconic Pink Test tradition started by former Australian speedster Glen McGrath which sees players, commentators and even spectators donning something pink in their attire when they head out to watch the Sydney Test.
Virat Kohli of India batting on day one of the Fourth Test match between Australia and India at the SCG in Sydney, Thursday, January 3, 2019. Source: AAP
Through this tradition, McGrath aims at raising funds and awareness for breast cancer hoping that sight of pink would prompt women watching the match to head for regular health check-ups.
McGrath started the foundation along with his late wife Jane Mcgrath in 2005, who herself lost her battle with breast and bone cancer in 2008. Since then, the paceman took it upon himself to continue to fight the disease.
The first Pink Test was hosted in Sydney in 2009 and since then the cricket fraternity and supporters are encouraged to wear pink and donate generously for the cause.
This time around the charity foundation is hoping to raise $2.1 million during the three-day fixture of which it has already managed to garner $130,000 on day one of the ongoing Test.
Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh too came out in support of the initiative on Twitter.
Virat Kohli poses for selfies on day two of the Fourth Test match between Australia and India at the SCG in Sydney, Friday, January 4, 2019. Source: AAP
Meanwhile, India lead the four-match series 2-1 and are aiming to create history by registering their maiden Test series in Australia.
