Cricket’s hottest players send Aussies into a spin by stripping down for the McGrath Foundation

NOTE: Issued on behalf of Cricket Australia, images available upon request (Adam Vincenzini - 07932 082 124)

MEDIA RELEASE
20 October, 2009

3 MOBILE MEN OF CRICKET CALENDAR…THE RETURN!

Embargoed until 20th October 2009: 3 mobile, sponsors of the Test Series in Australia, have created the second installment of 3 mobile Men of Cricket, a calendar in aid of the McGrath Foundation.

This limited edition calendar, supported by Cricket Australia, features stylish, sexy photographs of Australia’s hottest cricketers.

Twelve Australian team members are set to sizzle in this year’s calendar with Nathan Bracken, Callum Ferguson, Brett Geeves, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Graham Manou, Tim Paine, Shaun Tait and Shane Watson all participating as part of Cricket Australia’s Cricket Cares initiative.

Each of the ‘Men of Cricket’ gave their time in aid of the McGrath Foundation, with all proceeds from the calendar contributing towards the placement of McGrath Breast Care Nurses nationally and increasing breast cancer awareness among younger women in Australia.

Last summer, 3 mobile was bowled over by the success of the inaugural calendar which became hot property and helped 3 mobile and Cricket Australia raise $50,000 for the McGrath Foundation through sales of the calendar alone.

Commenting on the calendar, Glenn McGrath, Co-Founder and Chairman for the McGrath Foundation and Australian cricket legend, said he continued to be impressed by the guys’ willingness to get involved with the project.

“There’s no doubt that when you’re travelling as a team there is an amazing sense of family among the guys but I’m blown away that everyone continues to offer so much support to the McGrath Foundation.

“Yet again this year everyone at the McGrath Foundation is really impressed by the boy’s physique. No doubt Watto wouldn’t have been shy in putting his name on the list but I’m super impressed Kato backed up again. He was certainly popular with the girls last year!” said Glenn.

Internationally renowned celebrity photographer Simon Upton said he was impressed by the players’ relaxed attitudes at the photo shoot. “The guys definitely aren’t camera shy! They were right into the spirit of the calendar, really relaxed and comfortable in front of the lens. We had a lot of great pictures to choose from.”

As the sponsor of the 3 mobile Test Series, Nigel Dews, VHA CEO said; “Last year’s calendar created a lot of buzz and excitement and we’re so proud of its success. It’s the perfect way for us to combine 3 mobile’s dedication to cricket and the McGrath Foundation.”

The 3 mobile Men of Cricket calendar 2010 is part of 3 mobiles ‘Pink Zinc’ campaign which features a number of fund raising activities across the 3 mobile Test Series with 3 donating all proceeds to the McGrath Foundation.

The calendar is only on sale in Australia - for more information visit www.three.com.au/menofcricket

For further information and to request high res images, footage or interviews please contact:
Rebecca Appleton
Cricket Australia
03 9653 8863 / 0407 837 907
Rebecca.appleton@cricket.com.au


ABOUT THE MCGRATH FOUNDATION

The McGrath Foundation was co-founded by Jane and Glenn McGrath after Jane’s initial recovery from breast cancer. The McGrath Foundation aims to raise money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in rural and regional Australia as well as educating young women to be ‘breast aware’. Visit http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/ for more information on how you can make a difference.

ABOUT CRICKET AUSTRALIA AND THE CRICKET CARES PROGRAM

Cricket Australia’s CRICKET CARES program, encourages cricket and its players to make a contribution back to its fans in the community by supporting charitable organisations and other community beneficial messages. The McGrath Foundation is a major partner of Cricket Cares and the Men of Cricket calendar is an example of how the program works – cricket and the players using their profile to raise public awareness and make a financial contribution to a worthy cause. In 2010, the Sydney 3 mobile Test will again turn pink to raise awareness of the McGrath Foundation. Head to cricket.com.au/tickets to purchase tickets to the matches.

Head to www.cricket.com.au/cricketcares to see the range of things cricket and the community work hand-in hand on.

ABOUT VODAFONE HUTCHISON AUSTRALIA (VHA)

Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) is a 50/50 joint venture between Vodafone Australia and Hutchison 3G Australia. VHA markets its products and services under the Vodafone and 3 brands in Australia. VHA has 6.311 million active customers at 31 June 2009.

About 3

3 is Australia's first 3G network and provides services to more than 2 million customers in Australia. Since launch in 2003, 3 has been servicing businesses with great value voice and data services as well as innovative tools like Mobile Broadband, Business Shared Caps, Mobile Email and other business services and content in 3’s Broadband Zones.

- 3 launched Australia’s first 3G mobile network in April 2003, now fully HSDPA enabled, and has over 2 million customers in Australia and over 20 million customers worldwide. 3 was also the first operator to launch cap plans in Australia in 2003.
- During 2008, customers generated 199 million internet access and Planet 3 events and 68% of 3’s customers paid for these services each month.
- 3's Broadband Zones are available in most parts of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast. We reach 96% of Australians with Talk, SMS, MMS, IM and Email.