Australian PM Welcomes Ashes Teams at New Year Reception
A Festive Gathering for Cricket Teams
On January 1, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted players from both the Australian and England cricket teams at Kirribilli House for his traditional New Year’s Day reception.
During the event, the Prime Minister humorously suggested that both teams should aim to reach the third day of the Test, referencing the quick conclusion of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The significance of the third day at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is highlighted by Jane McGrath Day, which raises awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation, an organization that supports families impacted by breast cancer. This initiative is led by Glenn McGrath, a former Australian fast bowler, in memory of his late wife, Jane.
Albanese shared on X, "This Ashes series has been unique. Starting Sunday, the SCG will be filled with pink as Aussie fans and the Barmy Army rally behind the McGrath Foundation. Go Australia!"
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. pic.twitter.com/O75220KyDh
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 1, 2026
Albanese and his wife, Jodie Haydon, hosted the players for a 90-minute gathering featuring a menu of oysters, tuna tartare, prawns, juices, and sparkling water.
In his remarks, Albanese emphasized the importance of day three, stating, "This day is crucial, more than others. If things aren’t going well, ensure someone can last a couple of sessions because we want to see day three. It’s a special occasion, and I expect record crowds, as we’ve seen throughout the series."
Also present were Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg and chairman Mike Baird, who spoke on behalf of the McGrath Foundation.
Australia has already clinched the Ashes series with a 3-1 lead, but England managed to break their 18-match winless streak by winning their first Test in Australia since 2011 at the MCG. The English team aims to finish the series on a high note, hoping for a 3-2 result, which would provide them with some positive memories from the tour, including Joe Root's first Test century in Australia and Josh Tongue's five-wicket haul at the MCG, the first for England in the 21st century.
England's captain Ben Stokes took the series defeat in stride, humorously noting that his post-match comments would be reminiscent of the two-day finishes in Perth and Melbourne.
"Thank you for your incredible hospitality," Stokes expressed. "While the cricket hasn’t gone as we hoped, Australia holds special memories for players like myself and Joe Root who have been here before."
He added, "We came with a goal, which we didn’t quite achieve, but we had the chance to play in iconic Test matches, including the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests."