Rachael Haynes is one of the most accomplished cricketers in Australian history, but there’s one story she knows will haunt her until the end of time involving pop princess Katy Perry.
A quick Google search of Haynes’ name leaves you in no doubt about the impact she has had on Australian cricket; a seven time World Cup winner across two formats, vice-captain of Australia for five years, a Commonwealth Games gold medal and nine domestic titles.
But there’s one story which pops up on Google that the 36-year-old says she will never live down.
It involves Haynes, the 2020 T20 World Cup final, Katy Perry performing with the Australian team on stage and a drug test.
You may think you know the story, but as Haynes revealed whilst penning her exclusive column in this month’s CODE Insight, out on Sunday, few know the full extent of her missed opportunities.
Australia had just defeated India in the World Cup Final in front of a crowd of 86,174 at the MCG setting a new world record for attendance of a women’s cricket event and an Australian record for a women’s sport fixture.
Shortly after Australia were handed the trophy, global superstar Perry took to the stage to perform. She had invited the winning side on stage with her.
One person was missing.
In the guts of the MCG, Haynes had been called to give a urine sample for a mandatory drug test.
“I’m never going to live this down,” she said. “The infamous drugs test.”
“I knew as soon as I came off the ground I was being tested and a lot of time elapsed while we were waiting for the concert to start so I thought I’ll just get this test done and I’ll be back in time.
“A couple of India players were in front of me and I had to wait…they took ages.
“Our team doctor came and saw me, I told her I had the sample and it was all done.
‘How amazing was that,” she said.
‘Yeah Pip we just bloody won the World Cup,’ I told her.
‘Nah not that, getting on stage with Katy Perry,’ she said.
“I couldn’t believe it. I missed it and the girls never let me forget it.”
But the story gets worse.
In an attempt to make it up to Haynes for missing that memorable moment that went global, an offer was made the very next day but everyone forgot to tell her until it was far too late.
“We stayed in Melbourne to celebrate our win and Katy Perry was due on the Project TV show.
“Unbeknownst to me they had made the offer of having me on with her to make up for what I missed but no one told me.
“I was already checked into my flight back to Sydney to go home. I was in the departure lounge when they called.”
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