• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Eng Vs Ind Day 2 Why Ben Stokes And Team Is Wearing Red Jersey At Lords

ENG vs IND, Day 2: Why Ben Stokes And Team Is Wearing Red Jersey At Lord’s

Sakshi Sharma

England players wearing Red jersey (Source:@mykhelcom,x.com)England players wearing Red jersey (Source:@mykhelcom,x.com)

The second day of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s took on a deeply emotional tone as the cricketing community rallied behind the seventh edition of the #RedForRuth campaign. In a significant development, players, coaching staff, broadcasters, and a sea of spectators wore red in a powerful display of solidarity for families affected by the terminal illness of a parent.

Why Are England Players Wearing Red Jersey On Day 2?

It is important to mention that the initiative, started in memory of Ruth Strauss – the late wife of former England captain Sir Andrew Straus. Ruth passed away in December 2018 due to a rare form of non-smoking lung cancer. In her memory, Sir Andrew launched the Ruth Strauss Foundation (RSF) to support families going through the emotional turmoil of a terminal diagnosis.

Fans attending Friday's play at the 'Home of Cricket' were encouraged to wear red and arrive early for a special opening ceremony before the first ball. Volunteers at the ground were seen distributing Ruth Roses and selling the popular #RedForRuth bucket hats in return for donations, with all proceeds going directly to RSF’s vital work.

What Is Ruth Strauss Foundation?

Over the past six years, the Foundation has supported more than 3,500 family members through grief and trained over thousands healthcare professionals in handling end-of-life conversations. The campaign has helped to normalise discussions around death and terminal illness, particularly when children are involved.

The Ruth Strauss Foundation was established in 2019 to provide emotional support for families where a parent has a terminal illness, and to train professionals in palliative care.

Joe Root Dominates Day 1

England resumed their first innings at 251/4, with Joe Root unbeaten on 99, just one run away from what would be his 37th Test century. He was joined by captain Ben Stokes, who was deemed fit to continue despite suffering a minor groin scare late on Day 1.