The Ashes 2023 action resumed at Lord’s on Day 2 on Thursday in London. This was no ordinary day of Test cricket as it was heightened up as the second day of the match is dedicated to the Ruth Strauss Foundation.
Why England and Australian players wore red caps in Lord’s Test?
The players of both the teams came out wearing red caps, and even plenty of spectators donned red caps and hats, to show their support to the Ruth Strauss Foundation. The wife of former England captain Andrew Strauss was Ruth Strauss, who died due to cancer which happens to non-smokers in 2018. This foundation was set by Andrew in memory of his wife only.
This day is called ‘Red for Ruth’ day.
A special day.
A brilliant cause.Today, @HomeOfCricket turns #RedForRuth ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iaixKap8BJ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 29, 2023
Everyone was urged by the ECB, Lord’s, and the broadcasters to donate to the foundation that spreads awareness and also helps patients in their cancer treatment. Talking about the foundation, Eng vs Ind Lord’s Test match in 2021 raised funds of £1,204,447, which is a record.
“The idea of setting up the foundation came up with Ruth in the last few months of her life. Ruth desperately wanted to help those affected by this terrible disease and she had a very strong sense of charity – in the broadest sense – of helping others less fortunate than ourselves,” Strauss had said about the foundation.
The foundation aims to support people and in particular children who have lost their parents because of cancer. Along with this, a lot of fundraisers have been conducted in England for the same reason by Andrew Strauss.
Meanwhile, talking about the Lord’s Test on Day 2, the Eng bowlers came out with more intent and purpose today than they did on Day 1 when they allowed Aussies to reach 339/5 in 83 overs. Even as Steve Smith completed his 32nd Test hundred, Eng bowlers were sharp and nipped out the remaining 5 wickets for only 77 runs. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue finished with three-wicket hauls while Stuart Broad and James Anderson had one each.
