Anthony Albanese takes on Nova stars in Kirribilli cricket showdown
The charity match will feature Anthony Albanese, sporting stars, media personalities and four young listeners on Tuesday.
Nova has revealed the full line-up for Fitzy, Wippa & Kate’s First XI Backyard Cricket match at Kirribilli House on Tuesday, 21 July. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will join sporting stars, media personalities and four young listeners for the charity event.
The match will raise funds for Full Stop Australia and Batyr Australia. Full Stop Australia supports people affected by sexual, domestic and family violence, while Batyr works to reduce stigma around youth mental health.
Who is playing?
Nova Drive co-hosts and team captains Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald and Michael “Wippa” Wipfli will again lead the opposing sides. The pair will be joined by guests from sport, television, radio, music and comedy.
Fitzy’s team
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
- Susie O’Neill
- James Bracey
- Julia Morris
- Richard Wilkins
- Ally Langdon
- Dr Andrew Rochford
- Mick Ennis
- Listeners Patrick, 11, and Declan, 13
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Wippa’s team
- Kate Ritchie, Nova Drive co-host
- Jim Jefferies
- Matt Shirvington
- Amy Shark
- Ben Fordham
- Michael Hooper
- James Tedesco
- Listeners Jamie, 12, and Summa, 15
The four young listeners won their places through a promotion with MILO. It marks the first time children from across Australia have secured spots in the match.
Annual event supports two charities
Backyard Cricket began in 2018 as an annual feature of Nova’s Sydney breakfast show. It continues following Fitzy, Wippa & Kate’s move into national Drive.
Fitzgerald described the match as his favourite day of the year. “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.”
Wipfli said the venue and participants made the event entertaining. “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.”
Ritchie said she would keep the group focused on the event’s team and charity objectives. “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.”
How to follow the match
Nova will share updates through @fitzywippakate on social media throughout the day. Highlights and behind-the-scenes coverage will air from 4pm on Tuesday on Nova 96.9 in Sydney.
Listeners can also stream Fitzy, Wippa & Kate live or catch up with the daily podcast through Nova Player.
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