Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome a star-studded lineup of guests to Kirribilli House today (Tuesday, July 21) to play in the latest instalment of Fitzy, Wippa and Kate’s First XI Backyard Cricket.
Opposing team captains Fitzy and Wippa will again battle it out for glory with the help of some of Australia’s biggest sporting stars and media personalities, alongside the PM.
And for the first time, kids from across Australia have won the chance to take their place on the field.
Team Fitzy includes Susie O’Neill, James Bracey, Julia Morris, Richard Wilkins, Ally Langdon, Dr Andrew Rochford, Mick Ennis and young listeners Patrick (age 11) and Declan (age 13)
Joining Wippa’s team will be Kate Ritchie, Jim Jeffries, Matt Shirvington, Amy Shark, Ben Fordham, Michael Hooper and James Tedesco, along with listeners Jamie (age 12) and Summa (age 15).
First launched in 2018, Backyard Cricket has become an annual tradition for Nova’s Sydney Breakfast show.
Now, with Fitzy, Wippa & Kate in national Drive, this year’s match is shaping up as the biggest yet.
The annual Backyard Cricket match will raise funds for two charities: Full Stop Australia, one of Australia’s leading sexual, domestic and family violence response and recovery services, and Batyr Australia, who work to create stigma-free communities that champion youth mental health and wellbeing.
Fitzy said “Forget Bazball, this is Hazbeenball. An eclectic mix of celebrities who can’t play cricket at the hallowed turf of Kirribilli House. It’s my favourite day of the year.”
Wippa said “There’s no greater backyard for a game of cricket. And there’s no greater list of celebrities that have no idea how to play cricket. That’s what makes this day the most entertaining on the calendar.”
Kate added “My job on the day will be to remind the plethora of celebrities we have on board that Backyard Cricket is a team effort in the name of charity, not a chance to shine solo and I assume I’ll be called up as Wippa’s runner if he manages to make contact with the ball. I have my uniform ready and my fingers crossed for sunshine.”
Check out @fitzywippakate on socials throughout the day for all the action and to see who takes home the trophy. Plus, tune in to Nova 96.9’s Fitzy, Wippa & Kate’s Drive show from 4pm on Tuesday for highlights from the game and all the behind-the-scenes action.
Fitzy, Wippa & Kate can be heard from 4pm on Nova 96.9 in Sydney. Listeners can also stream the show live or catch up with the daily podcast by downloading the Nova Player.
Image supplied.