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What happened when Albo took on some of Australia’s biggest stars

Anthony Albanese rubbed shoulders with some of Australia’s biggest sporting stars and celebrities on Wednesday – but they were all upstaged by an unlikely source.

Anthony Albanese ‘wasting little time’ visiting fire-hit areas in NSW south coast

For the second year in a row, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been upstaged by his four-legged best mate Toto at an annual celebrity cricket match.

Mr Albanese swapped his usual suit and tie for cricket whites on Wednesday during the annual First XI Backyard Cricket match hosted by Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie.

The game was held at Kirribilli House, where he ran between the wickets and rubbed shoulders with some of the country’s biggest stars to raise money for charity.

Anthony Albanese rubbed shoulders with some of the country’s biggest stars. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
Anthony Albanese rubbed shoulders with some of the country’s biggest stars. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
NSW Premier Chris Minns coming in for a bowl. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
NSW Premier Chris Minns coming in for a bowl. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
The Prime Minister ran between wickets with Toto. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard
The Prime Minister ran between wickets with Toto. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Albanese teamed up with Ms Ritchie alongside Australian cricketing great Brett Lee, tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and Home and Away star Ray Meagher.

Team Fitzy included musician Amy Shark, South Sydney hooker Damien Cook, Dr Andrew Rochford, and television presenter Richard Wilkins.

Two listeners also won spots in the game alongside the VIPs.

During the match, Mr Albanese strode to the crease with his dog Toto under his arm.

Mr Albanese, with Toto, Damien Cooke, Mark Ferguson, and Brendon Julian. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
Mr Albanese, with Toto, Damien Cooke, Mark Ferguson, and Brendon Julian. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
The match was held on the lawn of Kirribilli House, the Prime Minister’s Sydney residence. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
The match was held on the lawn of Kirribilli House, the Prime Minister’s Sydney residence. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
Ray Meagher and Lleyton Hewitt attended the charity event. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
Ray Meagher and Lleyton Hewitt attended the charity event. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.

He also carried Toto with him as he mingled with his guests before and after the game.

The Prime Minister’s pet was even included in the team photo after the event.

But just like last year’s match, Toto stole the show, running between the wickets alongside the Prime Minister when it was his time to bat.

Meanwhile gold Logie winner Meagher received a standing ovation after chipping in for his side with the bat.

Anthony Albanese swapped a suit and tie for cricket whites on Wednesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
Anthony Albanese swapped a suit and tie for cricket whites on Wednesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Toto, and the celebrity guests posed for a photo. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Toto, and the celebrity guests posed for a photo. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
Ray Meagher rolled his arm over. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard
Ray Meagher rolled his arm over. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

He was congratulated by his former Home and Away castmate, Ms Ritchie.

Former cricketer and broadcaster Brendon Julian joined Wippa in the commentary box during the star-studded affair.

Kayo will broadcast highlights of the game on Thursday.

The match raised much-needed funds for Ronald McDonald House and Batyr Australia.

Read related topics:Anthony Albanese

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/what-happened-when-albo-took-on-some-of-australias-biggest-stars/news-story/47d7012f33a0d0b428e8acb3d67c32cb