Glenn McGrath speaks out over Sunrise presenter's controversial joke

Aussie cricket legend Glenn McGrath has addressed a controversial joke made by Sunrise reporter Mylee Hogan about his death. Hogan, the granddaughter of Aussie icon Paul Hogan, was discussing a segment on the Channel 7 program this week when she made a joke about McGrath's death that wasn't received well.

The segment was about a social media trend in which younger people trick their parents or older friends into believing that one of their favourite celebrities has died. Sunrise host Mark Beretta said: "I don't get that at all. It's so not funny. It's crazy."

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Hogan said she did find the trend funny, but Edwina Bartholomew joined Beretta in saying she didn't. After Beretta moved on by discussing an upcoming interview with McGrath, Hogan said from off-screen "Glenn McGrath died".

Beretta and Bartholomew both chastised Hogan for the comment, with Bartholomew saying: "Don't even. That's not funny." Hogan hasn't been seen on the presenter's desk since, but has been reporting from the field.

Discussing the situation during the third Test between Australia and South Africa at the SCG on Friday, McGrath said he'd been in contact with Hogan. “We’ve spoken, everything’s good,” he said.

McGrath was at the SCG on Friday for what was supposed to be Jane McGrath Day - the initiative he set up for his late wife to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer. The third day of the Sydney Test turns pink every year, however atrocious weather on Friday saw the festivities postponed until Saturday.

Glenn McGrath amazed at how far Pink Test has come

In the lead-up to the 15th edition of Pink Test, McGrath marvelled at how far things had come. "When I grew up playing cricket, the one thing I wouldn't have near my cricket gear was anything pink," he said.

"Now half my wardrobe's pink. It's amazing where things go. In the last 15 years, we've raised over $17 million from the pink Test."

The McGrath Foundation is once again running its virtual pink seat program, encouraging fans to buy a "seat" at the Test even if they are unable to attend in person. Overwhelming support for the initiative prompted McGrath to set a new goal of selling 300,000 seats rather than 150,000.

The previous target was achieved by 11am on Friday. The McGrath Foundation will be able to support 4200 more individuals affected by breast cancer if they hit the new goal of 300,000.

"People watching at home or even here (at the SCG) can still get their virtual pink seats whether it's raining or not," McGrath said on Friday. "I'm in absolute awe of the Australian public, the way they come out and support this every year. Who would've thought you'd have pink combined with cricket."

McGrath played 124 Test matches and 250 one-day internationals for Australia and is widely regarded as one of the country's finest bowlers ever. His 563 Test wickets are sixth-most all-time, behind Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708), Jimmy Anderson (675), Anil Kumble (619) and Stuart Broad (566).

with AAP

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