Anthony Albanese wows at charity backyard cricket match at Kirribilli House

Anthony Albanese has taken centre stage at an unusual event that pitted him against NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.

Anthony Albanese has shown his sportsmanship during a charity game of backyard cricket at Kirribilli House.

The Prime Minister joined the likes of NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet for Fitzy & Wippa‘s First XI Backyard Cricket match that Mr Albanese hosted at his own official residence.

Anthony Albanese was a smash hit with the bat. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The PM was “Team Fitzy” along with Channel 7’s Mark Ferguson, celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge and sports presenter Mel McLaughlin.
Mr Perrottet teamed up with former NRL star Beau Ryan, singer Conrad Sewell, Channel 9’s Richard Wilkins, and 2GB’s Ben Fordham on “Team Wippa”.

There was also a prime ministerial outfit change, with Mr Albanese swapping his South Sydney Rabbitohs jersey for cricket whites and sunnies before the match.

The PM donned a Bunnies jersey for the warm-up. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Mr Albanese brought along his own mascot for the game, toting his dog Toto under his arm for good luck before the match.

He then swapped his outfit for some official cricket whites and a Rabbitohs hat. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The PM’s pooch has become a bit of a celebrity in her own right after this year’s election and was brought in for team photos.

“I think she’ll be the player of the match. She’s pretty good at chasing balls,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Albanese brought his own good luck charm, his dog Toto, for the match. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Mr Albanese was also overheard engaging in some trash talk on the pitch, calling Mr Perrottet‘s bowling “pretty average”.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet was keen to bowl during the match. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The Prime Minister‘s batting skills were not too shabby according to those playing, with reports he had been practising before the game.

“Albo is on fire,” radio host Ryan Fitzgerald said after Mr Albanese hit the ball into the crowd of celebrity cricketers waiting to bat.

Mr Albanese hit four sixes during the match. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

However, that was not enough for his team, with Team Wippa securing a win.

It was not just fun and games at Kirribilli House on Thursday, with the backyard cricket match aiming to raise much-needed charity funds.

Backyard Cricket for a Cause with Fitzy and Wippa is back at Kirribilli House after a three year break. pic.twitter.com/CRzHnKEqxM

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 13, 2022

The two teams raised $15,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“The money raised will help ensure families have a place to stay when children are undergoing treatment,” Mr Albanese said on Twitter.

“It provides meaningful support to kids and families, making a very hard time a bit easier for everyone.”

Originally published as Anthony Albanese wows at charity backyard cricket match at Kirribilli House