How long does the "Pink Test" have to last?

[Red]

Now, I'm gonna seem like captain arsehole here, but gimme a sec.

I'm kind of sick of the theme of the Sydney test, the whole pink thing. It's over the top, and it's too much. I get that breast cancer is tragic for the families of those women who suffer from it. I get that a very high profile cricketer lost his wife to it. I sympathise with him, and her friends. But really, to devote a whole test to it seems absurd to me. There seems to be a trend in society that everything has to have a cause attached to it, to validate it. I'm kinda just over it.

Breast cancer had a massive profile in this country. There is already pink ribbon day, that involves millions of people and raises awareness and money. It doesn't need a 5 day test match to further its cause. I know I'll seem a prick here, but to me, test cricket is one of the last things left somewhat unsullied by commercialism/selling out. It has rich traditions. I love that it's history traces back almost a century and a half. I don't really get why a test match has to have itself dedicated to a cause. Am I an arse?!

Look, I'll be honest. I'd be more than happy for the big one dayers to be "pink". Or the international 20/20s. Or the Big Bash. And I'd happily donate to them. But please, let some things in this contrived, forced society stay somewhat traditional.

I hope people hear me in the right way. I've lost loved ones to breast cancer, and I'm not heartless. I'd just like some things without extras....

 

[cnerd123]

- Sport is trying to present a more caring, social conscious image as a whole. Cricket isn't the only sport doing the all pink thing is it?
- To get more women at the cricket by showing they care about women's issues and it isn't just a man's sport for men only
- Breasts are wonderful and need protecting

 

[Red]

I get all that. My point is that I like traditional things, and I love the heritage of test cricket. Pink is ****ing gaudy.

 

[Coronis]

Tradition is overrated.

 

[Spikey]

cant wait for the first McGrath foundation "Where does your donation really go?" controversy

 

[Antihippy]

Pink is a rad color. We need more pink in our lives.

 

[longranger]

I don't think this is commercialization or in any way harming the appeal or traditions of Test cricket. I think it's a great idea to build awareness, be caring and even get in more female fans. And if the only cost is seeing pink stumps and commentators wearing pink suits / ties (Did Brett Lee dye his hair pink ?!) for a five-day test match once in a year - I think it's pretty OK.

Now saying 'Lava Super Fours' during commentary is another thing..

 

[Red]

Tradition is overrated.

No, it's underrated.

I don't think this is commercialization or in any way harming the appeal or traditions of Test cricket. I think it's a great idea to build awareness, be caring and even get in more female fans. And if the only cost is seeing pink stumps and commentators wearing pink suits / ties (Did Brett Lee dye his hair pink ?!) for a five-day test match once in a year - I think it's pretty OK.

Now saying 'Lava Super Fours' during commentary is another thing..

Build awareness

 

[longranger]

Perhaps building awareness is not a problem in Australia, but this match is telecast to all parts of the globe. I can assure you, that it is eye opening, for several people located in developing countries world-wide. I am only impressed by the Australian commitment to battling this.

 

[Spark]

tradition is great and that;s why we should make this one a tradition

 

[Adders]

Can't help but wonder what you were hoping to achieve here Monk...........were you worried you were getting too popular or something


WAC.

 

[SteveNZ]

I'm not even being disingenuous when I say I can't comprehend one bit why you decided to post this.

Whites and baggy greens don't change colour, therefore tradition stands.

And honestly, with the overhyped nonsense that CH9 consistently pedal, it hardly even registers for me. At least this is for a wonderful cause.

 

[fredfertang]

By raising awareness of the issues this results in a win win for all as far as I can see - you can either ignore it and get on with the cricket, which is fine, or give it some thought and a few shekels, which is even better

 

[Flem274*]

I don't see how charity work is commercialization or selling out. It's the opposite really.

Sport tries to recognise the big picture sometimes. It acknowledges tragedies, marks important days (ANZAC test for example) and campaigns on behalf of good causes.

 

[Spikey]

The Jane McGrath stand thing is bad though

 

[andmark]

If it's helping people (I imagine there's charity workers to give money to throughout the ground), and doesn't disrupt the game, where's the problem?

 

[TNT]

I don't know the exact figures but the McGrath foundation provides nurses to help women in rural areas that don't have access to facilities like city women do.

 

[GotSpin]

Hes right though. More focus needs to be put on Day 2 for Richie Benaud day

 

[Red]

So if a high profile Victorian cricketer's wife dies of cervix cancer, does the Boxing Day test become The Cervix Test forever? FMD.

 

[Red]

I don't know the exact figures but the McGrath foundation provides nurses to help women in rural areas that don't have access to facilities like city women do.

I THINK THATS GREAT AND INCREDIBLY NOBLE! Does it need a pink themed five day test EVERY year though?