The Richies and Barmy Army trade chants for chords with the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs to open the NRMA Insurance Pink Test, rising above rivalry in support of families in Australia facing cancer.
Kicking off this year's NRMA Insurance Pink Test in unforgettable fashion, two of cricket's most iconic and fiercest fan clubs - The Richies and Barmy Army - today set aside their rivalry for the first time in Pink Test history, uniting their voices as the 'McGrath Melodies'.
As the final test in the 2026 Ashes series swings into action, Australia and England's most passionate supporters - usually found chanting from opposite ends of the stands - instead stood shoulder to shoulder outside the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in a powerful show of solidarity for families facing cancer.
Led by renowned choirmaster Brett Weymark and accompanied by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, the harmonious performers delivered a dazzling rendition of Vanessa Amorosi's iconic 'Absolutely Everybody'. It was a fitting anthem to rally everyone in Australia to 'Rise to the Occasion' this Pink Test and help the McGrath Foundation sell 480,000 Virtual Pink Seats to support 8,000 families through cancer nationwide.
"As someone who is no stranger to the fierce Ashes rivalry, it's incredible to see The Richies and Barmy Army rise up in the name of something bigger."
- Glenn McGrath, McGrath Foundation President & Co-Founder
"The Pink Test has always stood for unity, compassion, and care - and today, that sentiment was echoed more powerfully than ever. I can't thank The Richies, the Barmy Army and the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs enough for lending their voices to this moment.
"The reality is, around to 1 in 2 people in Australia are likely to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. That's why we're setting our sights on our biggest goal yet - selling 480,000 Virtual Pink Seats - and we need everybody to rise up with us. Every seat sold helps fund our incredible McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to provide families going through cancer with life-changing care."
Donning their signature getup - England Flags for the Barmy Army and beige suits and silver wigs for The Richies - they were joined by McGrath Cancer Care Nurses and choir singers creating an unforgettable anthem of unity.
The Richies Co-Founder, Michael Hennessy commented: "There's not much The Richies and Barmy Army agree on - but when it comes to supporting families going through cancer, we're completely in tune. It was a privilege to join voices for such an important cause."
Barmy Army Managing Director, Chris Millard added: "Singing is in the Barmy Army's DNA, and while we usually belt out our own tunes to get under the Aussies' skin, this year felt different. Standing alongside The Richies for something that unites us all was a special moment we'll remember long after the final ball."
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Artistic and Music Director, Brett Weymark OAM said: "Music has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, settle rivalries and lift spirits. Seeing everyone today joining in one voice for families facing cancer was incredibly moving. We're proud to have played a part in it."
Buy your Virtual Pink Seats at pinktest.com.au to help the McGrath Foundation take its care to all cancers. Every seat helps fund McGrath Cancer Care Nurses who offer clinical, psychosocial and emotional support to families impacted by any type of cancer, for free.
To Rise to the Occasion this Pink Test visit pinktest.com.au
