The Power of the Mo: Mitchell Johnson and his Hair-Raising Story to Uproot Cancer
To raise funds for cancer eradication, Mitchell Johnson will be joined by Australian teammates to grow their moustache and raise awareness on health.
Last summer Mitchell Johnson's mighty moustache helped inspire Australia's famous Ashes victory and this year it has moved several of the paceman's teammates to grow in support of Movember and in the hope it provides a similar winning edge.
Johnson, who is donning the Mo once again, will be joined by his Australian teammates Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch and Coach Darren Lehmann who have all pledged to grow from November 1. They will be supported by Mo Sistas, Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy with Coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick.
To begin their Mo growing journey, fast bowler Mitchell Starc took on the task of shaving down Coach Darren Lehmann whilst on tour in the UAE as both men prepare to grow for the second time in support of men's health.
"I didn't have a lot of success with the Mo last year and my kids didn't let me forget it but, with my grandfather having survived prostate cancer, Movember is a cause very close to my heart so I'm happy to take the pledge again," Lehmann said. (Also read: Mitchell Johnson Not in Wasim Akram's League Yet, Says Waqar Younis)
"Movember raises important funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and since Cricket Cares forged its partnership with Movember seven years ago, we have helped raise more than half a million dollars for the cause. I hope the fans can get behind the Mo Bros on the field once again this year."
In a first for the partnership, Movember grass signage will be displayed on the WACA Ground for both Carlton Mid One Day International (ODI) matches against South Africa in November and all players' shirts will feature a Mo image on their collars.
Cricket Australia is also giving Australian Mo Bros and Mo Sistas the chance to enjoy an exclusive experience at the Carlton Mid ODI 'Mo Zone' to cheer the Aussies on with fellow Mo growers and supporters. Mo Zones will be available through November at the Carlton Mid One Day International matches in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
Last year, the Club Cricket Cares Network raised more than $217,000 for men's health thanks to the efforts of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas from 104 cricket clubs across Australia.
Movember's Asia Pacific Director, Jeremy Macvean said he was excited to be entering the seventh hairy season with Cricket Australia.
"The moustache is an iconic symbol in Australian cricket so it's great to see the tradition continue in the modern era. To have Australian cricket stars plus the leader of the troops, Boof Lehmann, getting involved will go a long way in changing the face of men's health," Jeremy said.
Movember is the leading global organisation committed to changing the face of men's health. Movember achieves this by challenging men to grow and women to support moustaches during the month of November to spark conversations and raise funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.