When you think of Glenn McGrath, the first image is probably a lanky fast bowler tormenting England batsmen in the Ashes. But these days, the man with 563 Test wickets is just as likely to be seen in a pink shirt at the Sydney Cricket Ground, raising funds for the cancer charity he co‑founded with his late wife Jane.
Test wickets: 563 · ODI wickets: 381 · Bowling average (Test): 21.64 · McGrath Foundation funds raised: over $30 million · Age: 54 (born February 9, 1970)
Quick snapshot
- 563 Test wickets and 381 ODI wickets (Sport Australia Hall of Fame)
- Co‑founder and President of the McGrath Foundation (Glenn McGrath)
- Married Sara in 2010 (Wikipedia)
- Parted with ABC Sport in November 2024 (ABC News)
- The exact address of his current residence is not publicly disclosed.
- Whether he officially joined BBC’s Test Match Special for the 2025–26 Ashes (only reported on Instagram).
- The exact ages of his stepchildren are not publicly known.
- 2024: ABC Sport and McGrath part ways over gambling‑company link (ABC News)
- 2025: McGrath Foundation expands to all cancers (McGrath Foundation)
- Full‑time leadership of the McGrath Foundation, ambassador roles, and public speaking.
Here is a summary of key personal and career details for Glenn McGrath.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Glenn Donald McGrath |
| Born | February 9, 1970 in Dubbo, New South Wales |
| Role | Fast‑medium bowler |
| Test debut | 1993 vs New Zealand |
| Last Test | 2007 vs England |
| Bowling style | Right‑arm fast‑medium |
Where does Glenn McGrath live now?
Current residence in Sydney
Glenn McGrath lives in Sydney’s northern beaches, an area he moved to after retiring from international cricket. The exact address is not public, but the suburb is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle — a far cry from the dressing rooms of Lord’s and the WACA. He has mentioned in interviews that the move was partly to give his family a quieter life away from the spotlight.
Property details
In 2018, McGrath sold his family home in the leafy suburb of Forestville for about $2.3 million (Domain). The five‑bedroom property had been the family base for years. His current residence is believed to be a waterfront home on the northern beaches, though no official records confirm the sale.
The implication: McGrath has deliberately chosen privacy over public profile in his home life — a shift from the decades he spent as one of Australia’s most recognisable sportsmen.
Why did Glenn McGrath lose his job?
Parting with ABC Sport
In November 2024, ABC Sport announced it had mutually parted ways with Glenn McGrath ahead of the 2025–26 Ashes series. An ABC spokesperson confirmed the split to ABC News, citing McGrath’s relationship with a betting company as incompatible with the broadcaster’s editorial guidelines. The move was not a firing — both sides agreed it was time to end their arrangement.
Reason behind the split
McGrath’s role as an ambassador for a gambling firm clashed with ABC’s strict policy on sports betting ties. The Indian Express reported that the decision was “mutual” and came after contract negotiations failed to find common ground. McGrath had been a regular commentator on ABC’s Grandstand cricket coverage since his retirement in 2007.
Impact on his role
Without ABC, McGrath still appeared on air. He reportedly joined the BBC’s Test Match Special for the 2025–26 Ashes, though that claim is based on an Instagram post and hasn’t been confirmed by the BBC.
What this means: For ABC, it was a line-in‑the‑sand moment — a public broadcaster choosing ethics over a legend. For McGrath, it freed up time to pour into the foundation that bears his name.
Losing the ABC commentary role removed a direct link to cricket audiences, but it also eliminated a potential conflict that could have hurt the foundation’s reputation. For McGrath, the charity now comes first — and that means no more betting‑company ties.
What does Glenn McGrath do now?
McGrath Foundation president and co‑founder
Glenn McGrath serves as President of the McGrath Foundation, the charity he co‑founded with his first wife, Jane McGrath, in 2005. The foundation funds McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia. In 2025, it marked 20 years of care by expanding its mission beyond breast cancer to support people with all types of cancer (McGrath Foundation). The annual Pink Test at the SCG remains the signature fundraising event.
Ambassador roles
McGrath is an ambassador for several brands, including Toyota, MIA Insurance, and SunBoost. These partnerships are separate from his charity work and provide a steady income stream.
Public speaking and charity events
He regularly speaks at corporate events and charity functions, often telling the story of the foundation and his cricketing career. As of 2025, he remains one of Australia’s most sought‑after motivational speakers (Subway Events).
The pattern: McGrath has seamlessly swapped a microphone for a charity podium, and he’s bringing the same precision that made him a bowling great to the fight against cancer.
Is Glenn McGrath still married?
Marriage to Sara McGrath
Yes, Glenn married Sara in 2010, two years after Jane’s death from breast cancer. The couple live together on the northern beaches and have built a blended family. Sara is often seen at charity events and the Pink Test, supporting the foundation she now calls her own cause.
Blended family
Glenn has two children from his first marriage — James (born 1994) and Holly (born 1996). Sara brought two stepchildren into the marriage. The family unit has been described as close‑knit, with Glenn telling media that Sara “understands the loss” because she also lost a spouse to illness.
Tribute to late wife Jane
Jane McGrath passed away in 2008. The McGrath Foundation was built in her memory and remains the central philanthropic focus of Glenn’s life. He has never remarried in a legal sense? No, he did marry Sara; that is a legal marriage. But he continues to honour Jane publicly, especially during the annual Pink Test.
Why this matters: McGrath’s family story is not just personal — it’s the emotional engine behind a charity that has placed more than 200 cancer nurses in communities across Australia.
How old are Glenn McGrath’s children now?
Children from first marriage
As of 2025, James McGrath is 31 years old (born 1994) and Holly McGrath is 29 (born 1996). Both were raised largely in Sydney and maintain relatively private lives.
Children with Sara
Sara had two children from a previous relationship, who are now young adults. The blended family includes four children in total, though exact ages for the stepchildren are not publicly known.
Ages and current lives
James has pursued a career outside of cricket, while Holly has kept a low profile. The McGraths have not revealed their children’s occupations in detail. Neither James nor Holly are in the public eye, consistent with their father’s effort to shield them from media attention.
The catch: McGrath has successfully kept his kids out of the tabloids — a rare achievement for a family that belongs to one of Australia’s most famous sports dynasties.
With the foundation expanding to all cancers, the McGrath name is no longer only about one disease — or one woman’s story. The next generation may eventually take the reins, but for now, Glenn remains the public face.
Timeline
- 1970 – Born in Dubbo, New South Wales (Sport Australia Hall of Fame)
- 1993 – Test debut vs New Zealand
- 2007 – Retired from international cricket
- 2008 – Wife Jane died of breast cancer
- 2010 – Married Sara (Wikipedia)
- 2024 – Parted ways with ABC Sport (ABC News)
- 2025 – Active as McGrath Foundation president, foundation expands to all cancers (McGrath Foundation)
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Glenn McGrath is president of the McGrath Foundation.
- He married Sara in 2010.
- Jane McGrath died in 2008.
- He parted with ABC Sport in 2024.
What’s unclear
- Exact address of his current residence is not publicly disclosed.
- Whether he officially joined BBC’s Test Match Special for the 2025–26 Ashes (only reported on Instagram).
- The exact ages of his stepchildren are not publicly known.
- Glenn McGrath’s exact current residence is not confirmed; he lives in Sydney’s northern beaches based on property records but the specific address is private.
Key quotes and perspectives
The McGrath Foundation’s mission is to deliver world‑leading cancer nursing services to support people with cancer. That commitment has not changed, but now we welcome anyone with any type of cancer.
– Glenn McGrath, as reported by the McGrath Foundation
ABC Sport and Glenn McGrath have mutually parted ways. We thank Glenn for his contribution.
– ABC spokesperson, quoted in ABC News
Glenn McGrath’s life after cricket isn’t a quiet retirement. It’s a second innings built on a foundation — literal and figurative — that touches every Australian community. For cricket fans who grew up watching him bowl, the transition from fast‑bowling star to charity leader is both surprising and inevitable. For Australian families affected by cancer, the McGrath name now means something very different: a free‑of‑charge cancer nurse at their door. The implication is clear: McGrath is gambling on kindness, and the bet is paying off.
instagram.com, en.wikipedia.org, youtube.com, reddit.com, x.com
For a deeper look at Glenn McGraths life after cricket, including his family and foundation work, readers can explore a comprehensive overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is the McGrath Foundation?
A non‑profit that funds McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia, supporting people with any type of cancer. Co‑founded by Glenn and Jane McGrath in 2005.
How did Glenn McGrath meet his first wife Jane?
They met at a pub in Sydney in the mid‑1990s, introduced by a mutual friend. Jane was a flight attendant; Glenn was already a rising cricket star.
What is Glenn McGrath’s net worth?
Not publicly disclosed. Estimates vary widely between $5 million and $20 million, based on his cricket salary, commentary, endorsements, and property sales. No official source confirms any figure.
Does Glenn McGrath have any siblings?
Yes, he has a sister and two brothers. The family grew up in Narromine, New South Wales.
What is the Pink Test?
An annual cricket fundraiser at the Sydney Cricket Ground where players and fans wear pink on a designated Test day to support the McGrath Foundation. Since 2009 it has raised millions of dollars.
How many kids does Glenn McGrath have?
Four in total: two biological children (James and Holly) and two stepchildren from his marriage to Sara.
What brand ambassadorships does Glenn McGrath have?
He works with Toyota, MIA Insurance, and SunBoost. His relationship with a gambling company led to the split with ABC Sport.
Related reading: Ashes Test 5 2026: Start Time, Pink Test & Stokes Gesture · Jasprit Bumrah: His Story, Stats, Wife and Net Worth
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Focus, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.