Star-studded lineup descends on Kirribilli House for Nova’s Backyard Cricket

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to welcome a star-studded lineup of guests to Kirribilli House today, to play in Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie’s First XI Backyard Cricket match.

This year sees captains Fitzy and Wippa compete against each other in what shapes up as a memorable showdown.

Joining them across both teams is a stellar lineup of players, with Albo joining Team Fitzy for his third Backyard Cricket appearance, and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns joining Wippa’s team for his second Backyard Cricket match.

Also joining Fitzy’s team are Raygun, Mark Ferguson, Sarah Abo, Matty J, Ben Fordham, Colin Fassnidge, Chloe Molloy and Dr Andrew Rochford.

Joining Wippa’s team are Matt Shirvington, Nedd Brockmann, Shannon Noll, Hugh Van Cuylenburg, Angela Cox, Shayna Jack, Mel McLaughin and Smooth FM’s Richard Wilkins.

Two lucky listeners have also scored themselves a spot on the team by listening to the Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie Breakfast show.

This year, the Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie team will be raising funds Lifeline, a national charity providing all Australians with access to 24-hour crisis support, and Batyr Australia, working to create stigma-free communities that champion youth mental health and wellbeing.

Fitzy said of this year’s match, “Wippa, I hope you’re ready, I plan on hitting more sixes than you can poke a bat at.”

Wippa said, “Ready to roll, sorry bowl. It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the 45-year-old with a bad shoulder who can’t play cricket. May the best team win.”

Check out socials throughout the day for all the action and to see who takes home the trophy. Plus, tune in to Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie Breakfast show from 6am on Wednesday for highlights from the game and behind the scenes activity.

Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie airs from 6am on Nova 96.9 in Sydney. Listeners can also stream the show live or catch up with the daily podcast by downloading the Nova Player.