The Day 3 of the ongoing 5th Ashes 2023 Test, at The Oval, started on a poised note with England, ahead of the start of their second innings, trailing by just 12 runs.
But, before the play on Day 3, Saturday, commenced at The Oval, the players of both the teams had gathered for a special ceremony in the ground. Interestingly, something which caught the attention of the fans in the arena and on social media was that the England players were wearing each other’s jerseys for this brief event.
Jonny Bairstow lined up wearing Ben Stokes‘ jersey, Mark Wood was seen in Joe Root’s jersey, Moeen Ali was wearing Chris Woakes’ jersey and Woakes Ali’s, Stuart Broad and James Anderson had switched their jerseys, and so did Stokes and Bairstow, the England skipper seen with Bairstow on his back.
So why did England players swap jerseys with their teammates?
This was because for a campaign for the ECB who have collaborated with Alzheimer’s Society to raise awareness about dementia. The Day 3 of the Oval Test is dedicated to raising money as well as awareness about the disease.
Here, check out
A moving and powerful rendition of Jerusalem 👏@alzheimerssoc | #CricketShouldBeUnforgettable pic.twitter.com/cMC37JWC96
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2023
Today is the day! It's the @lv=Men's Ashes Test Match: Day 3 Supporting Alzheimer’s Society. 🏏
Huge thanks to the Kia Oval (@surreycricket) and @englandcricket – and sending lots of luck to our boys! 🤞
Great #CricketShouldBeUnforgettable https://t.co/oFsZXP1wXb pic.twitter.com/vbFrIO8HXj
— Alzheimer's Society (@alzheimerssoc) July 29, 2023
England skipper Ben Stokes commented: “The Ashes is one of the great sporting contests, and over the years it has produced so many amazing memories for me and millions more. As a team we want to entertain, and to make many more memories for cricket fans up and down the country.”
“But we know that dementia affects far too many people and has a terrible effect on them and their loved ones. By teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Society, I’m pleased we can raise awareness and vital money to help end the devastation caused by dementia,” he added.
Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, said: “Bringing people from all walks of life together under one roof, the Ashes delivers unforgettable jaw-dropping moments and treasured memories that stay with fans for a lifetime.
But sadly, forgetting their most precious memories of the Ashes is a heartbreaking and devastating reality for so many. We’re proud to be joining forces with the ECB for one of the world’s most iconic and historic sporting events.
“This Test match will enable us to provide help and hope to everyone living with dementia, by funding faster diagnosis, life-changing support and vital research, making a massive difference to fans and players whose lives have been devastated by dementia,” she added.
Meanwhile, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett have gotten England off to a quickfire start in the first session. Both fell on either side of Lunch. At the time of writing, England are 146/2, with their two most experienced men, Root and Stokes, in the middle.
