England and West Indies will be presented with red caps and wear specially-designed playing shirts on the second day of the third Test at Emirates Old Trafford to raise awareness for the Ruth Strauss Foundation.
The charity, which was launched last year, is named after Sir Andrew Strauss’ late wife Ruth, who died in 2018 at the age of 46 after being diagnosed with an incurable lung cancer that affects non-smokers. The foundation provides professional emotional support for families to prepare for the death of a parent, and aims to raise awareness of the need for more research and collaborative efforts in the fight against non-smoking lung cancers.
The second Ashes Test at Lord’s last summer saw the ground turn red to mark the day, raising over £550,000 for the foundation. Stumps and boundary boards will also turn red on the second day of the third Test this summer, while the big screens in the ground will be used to show pictures of fans and clubs dressed in red.
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“Last year I was humbled and honoured by the support of the wider cricket family,” said Strauss. “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.
“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.”
Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, said: “It’s our privilege to name the Third Test in honour 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.”
“Andrew is a true legend of our sport and it is almost impossible to imagine what he and his family went through,” said Joe Root, England’s captain. “Cricket plays a massive part in so many lives and together we can help other families facing these same devastating circumstances. I ask all of our fans across England and Wales to turn red on the day and support this incredible charity.”
Meanwhile, both teams marked the passing of Sir Everton Weekes during their warm-up matches on Thursday. Both teams wore black armbands, while West Indies held a minute’s silence before the start of play.
For more information on the Ruth Strauss Foundation and to donate, click here