Special day for cancer survivor Wade with ton

SYDNEY: Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade said he will never forget his thrilling unbeaten century against Sri Lanka in the third Test on Saturday.

The third day of the Sydney Test is promoted as pink day when players and fans are urged to sport pink in tribute to Jane McGrath, the wife of Australian fast bowling great Glenn McGrath who died from breast cancer in 2008.

Wade, who survived testicular cancer at the age of 16, said it was a special day to raise his second Test century.

“It was a great day to be part of,” Wade said.

“To do it on a day like today, with the McGrath Foundation day, was something special. I’ll remember it.

“It was a special day to be a part of. It was a very special day for me and one I’ll never forget.”

His cancer was only detected after he received a blow to the groin while playing football and the resultant swelling forced him to visit a doctor who discovered the greater problem.

“Had it not been for that hit in the testicles, I wouldn’t have had any idea,” he said previously.

Wade rushed towards his teammates in the Sydney Cricket Ground Members Stand on Saturday and kissed his helmet after crashing Suranga Lakmal for a boundary to raise his century off 158 balls, after setting out on the third day on 47.

“Driving to the ground today I didn’t think that would happen but it was an amazing feeling,” he said.

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