The final Test of the three-match series between England and West Indies kicked-off at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday (July 24). The Caribbeans won the series opener in Southampton, but in Manchester, the hosts bounced back and levelled the series 1-1.
The third match has been named as the ‘Ruth Strauss Foundation’ Test in memory of Andrew Strauss’ wife Ruth, who died in December 2018 at the age of 46 after being diagnosed with incurable lung cancer that affects non-smokers.
After the sad incident, Strauss launched the ‘Ruth Strauss Foundation’ to provide professional and emotional support for aggrieved families.
The English cricketers wore red caps, which will be auctioned in order to raise the money for the foundation. Before the official start of the game, Strauss rang the traditional bell and players were seen wearing red caps near the boundary rope.
Here’s the video:
Donate to @RuthStraussFdn HERE 👉 https://t.co/FM8lQXdWTs#RedForRuth pic.twitter.com/yun2JBGSvw
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 24, 2020
England Test team captain Joe Root appealed to all cricket fans across England and Wales to support the foundation.
“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. I ask all of our fans across England and Wales to turn red on the day and support this incredible charity,” said Root.
It is the second occasion of #RedforRuth foundation. Last year at Lord’s Cricket Ground almost 28,500 spectators went red supporting the charity during the second Ashes Test. That time the charity raised £550,000.
Looking good lads 🙌
Support the @RuthStraussFdn 👉 https://t.co/bM5Ywp6pek pic.twitter.com/szPZLSyjhy
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 24, 2020
Strauss also spoke about the last year experience and current time atmosphere as, unlike the previous time since there is no crowd in the stadium.
“Last year I was humbled and honoured 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.
“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,” said the former England captain.
“It goes without saying that it’s going to be different this year – the world is in a different place, and obviously it’s not going to feel quite the same as it did last year, but hopefully it will be just as impactful.
“The current context around COVID means that death is maybe at the forefront of people’s minds a bit more than it has been previously,” added Strauss.
