Brathwaite's connection to Jane McGrath Day

On a disappointing tour thus far for the West Indies, the first foray into Test cricket of allrounder Carlos Brathwaite has provided a much needed spark for Caribbean cricket.

While the giant Barbadian will never forget his entertaining debut in Melbourne last week, the attacking half-century he scored in the New Year's Test in Sydney - his second from as many matches - held extra special significance.

WATCH: Brathwaite's entertaining innings

As the pink of the annual Jane McGrath Day lit up a gloomy Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday, Brathwaite reflected on his family's personal experience with a disease that effects thousands of women and their families every year.

It was Brathwaite who urged his mother Joycelyn to visit a doctor when she complained of pain under her arm back in 2011. "It's better you go to the doctor and it's nothing than assume it's nothing and it's something," he says.

Unfortunately, the news wasn't good; one of the two lumps doctors found under Joycelyn's arm was cancerous.

She began treatment and her battle was particularly hard on Carlos, who was regularly away from home playing cricket as he juggled his career ambitions and concern for his mother's well-being.

As chemotherapy commenced, Carlos shaved his head in an act of solidarity. 

And thankfully for the Brathwaites, their story has a happy ending. 

Joycelyn has come through the other side, a result her son puts down to an early diagnosis and her positive attitude.

Having met with breast cancer sufferers and McGrath Foundation nurses on the eve of the annual Pink Test, Brathwaite says he hopes his mother's story can inspire those who are still fighting the battle.

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Brathwaite meets McGrath Foundation nurses and cancer sufferers // Getty

"Her good faith and strong faith and bubbly attitude really took her through," he said in an interview with Wide World of Sports.

"The doctors commented that it probably helped her recover faster than a normal person would.

"She also has a message for the Jane McGrath foundation. She's still in very high spirits and she just wanted to show that it's possible if you're going through it now you can come out the end and see the light at the end of the tunnel and you can live a normal life afterwards."

The McGrath Foundation raises funds to provide breast care nurses to help cancer sufferers and their families. The Foundation has previously funded 110 nurses and helped more than 40,000 Australian families. The Foundation is hoping to raise $380,000 at this year's Pink Test at the SCG, which would fund one breast care nurse for three years. More details and how to donate at mcgrathfoundation.com.au

Glenn McGrath explains the Foundation's work