There was a time when pink was the last colour Glenn McGrath would've wanted in his kit bag.
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But 14 years on from the first Pink Test and the champion fast bowler has become synonymous with the colour.
Only months after his wife Jane lost her battle with breast cancer, McGrath came to Cricket Australia with an idea: Encourage fans to wear pink to the third day of the SCG Test, with the aim of raising money to provide cancer patients with breast care nurses.
In the lead-up to the 15th Pink Test, played this year against South Africa, McGrath marvelled at how far things had come.
"When I grew up playing cricket, the one thing I wouldn't have near my cricket gear was anything pink," he said.
"Now half my wardrobe's pink.
"It's amazing where things go.
"In the last 15 years, we've raised over $17 million from the pink Test."
The SCG Test frequently falls victim to rain and the final match of the current South Africa series has proven no different.
But poor weather won't dampen the latest edition of Australian sport's favourite fundraiser.
The McGrath Foundation is running its virtual pink seat program to encourage fans to buy a "seat" at the Test even if they are unable to attend in person.
Support for the initiative prompted McGrath to set a new goal of selling 300,000 seats rather than 150,000.
The previous target had been achieved by 11am on Friday and if the new milestone is reached, the McGrath Foundation will be able to support 4200 more individuals affected by breast cancer.
"People watching at home or even here (at the SCG) can still get their virtual pink seats whether it's raining or not," McGrath said on Friday.
In response to the weather, Cricket Australia deferred its pre-show events, including the presentation of the teams' pink caps and the annual unfurling of a pink silk image of Jane McGrath, until day four.
At the SCG, the crowd moved to higher ground and sought shelter from the rain that fell at the ground from 9am onwards.
Some patrons were seen drying their pink attire in bathroom hand-dryers to make it through the day, while others toughed it out wearing pink ponchos in the rain.
"I'm in absolute awe of the Australian public, the way they come out and support this every year," McGrath said.
"Who would've thought you'd have pink combined with cricket."
Australian Associated Press
