The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday (July 2) announced that the third Test of the “Raise The Bat” Test series between England and West Indies will be named “The Ruth Strauss Foundation Test” to celebrate this year’s #RedForRuth Day on July 25.
The second day of the third Test will see cricket turn red again for this year’s #RedForRuth Day on July 25 to support the families facing the death of a parent to cancer.
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The cricket family will go #RedforRuth to raise funds for the Ruth Strauss Foundation, launched by former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss in memory of his late wife Ruth last year.
To support the initiative, players will wear special Ruth Strauss Foundation branded Test shirts and red caps with logos and splashes on it, while the branding around the stadium, stumps, and boundary boards will also go red to celebrate #RedForRuth Day.
Additionally, the ECB and broadcasters Sky will encourage cricket fans to send in pictures from home wearing red while watching their respective homes on Saturday, July 25 in order to showcase their support to the foundation with the #RedforRuth merchandise will be available to purchase online via ruthstraussfoundation.com from Thursday.
There will also be some incredible items available in the online auction, including a limited number of Ben Stokes' signed pictures of his famous innings from last summer.
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The ECB further said in a statement that the funds raised will go towards the “Ruth Strauss Foundation's mission of providing pre-bereavement support for families facing the death of a parent from cancer, and drive much-needed research into non-smoking lung cancers.”
Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “It’s our privilege to name the third test in honor of the Ruth Strauss Foundation and to support Red For Ruth Day for a second year running. It’s a cause many of us at the ECB feel very passionately about. I hope that once again we can show how cricket can come together to raise funds to help families going through the toughest of times.”
While Test captain Joe Root said, “Andrew is a true legend of our sport and it is almost impossible to imagine what he and his family went through. Cricket plays a massive part in so many lives and together we can help other families facing these same devastating circumstances.”
He further added, “I ask all of our fans across England and Wales to turn red on the day and support this incredible charity. The Ruth Strauss Foundation Test is one of several initiatives being highlighted during the #raisethebat Test series. The series will shine a light on key workers, help to connect communities around the UK, and support those in need.”
Meanwhile, this will be the second year when cricket will turn #RedforRuth and former England skipper Strauss thanked the ECB and players for supporting the initiative in the COVID-19 circumstances. Last year Lord’s Cricket Ground went red with 28,500 spectators supporting the charity during the second Ashes Test to help raise over £550,000.
Andrew and his two sons, Sam and Luca, presented players with commemorative red caps before the start of play last year that was the first year of the foundation set up in the memory of his wife, who passed away in 2018 due to a rare form of lung cancer.
Strauss stated, “Last year I was humbled and honored by the support of the wider cricket family. We sincerely hope that the incredible display of generosity and community spirit will continue as we look to turn cricket Red for Ruth for a second year to support the Ruth Strauss Foundation.”
He signed off by saying, “The day will look very different to last year but we are very grateful to the ECB and Lancashire Cricket Club for their assistance in making this happen during what has been a difficult period for everyone.”
(With PTI Inputs)
