1 hour ago 1

Explained: Why England and New Zealand players are wearing red-tinged jerseys in 1st Test, Day 2 at Lord's

Explained: Why England and New Zealand players are wearing red-tinged jerseys in 1st Test, Day 2 at Lord's originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

England and New Zealand players are wearing red-tinged kits on Day 2 of the first Test at Lord's as part of the annual Red For Ruth's campaign
The initiative honours Ruth Strauss, the late wife of former England captain Andrew Strauss, who passed away from a rare form of lung cancer
The Ruth Strauss Foundation supports families facing incurable cancer diagnoses and funds research into rare lung cancer

Explained: Why England and New Zealand players are wearing red-tinged jerseys in 1st Test at Lord's

A test match between England and New Zealand is always a treat to watch. For one, the two are the purest test nations in international cricket. But it's the intensity between the two sides that makes even a normal bilateral feel much more high-stakes than usual.

But the ongoing 1st Test at Lord's, New Zealand's tour of England, feels extra special, not because of how the players are playing but for what they are playing for.

At the start of Day 2, fans spotted both teams wearing red-tinged jerseys. The reason is something much bigger than cricket.

Both teams are taking part in the annual Red for Ruth campaign, a tradition that was started to raise awareness and funds for the Ruth Strauss Foundation.

If that name sounds familiar, then you are not mistaken because the initiative, named in honour of Ruth Strauss, the late wife of former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, is observed at the ground each year.

MORE: England vs New Zealand - 1st Test, Live: Ball-by-ball updates and scorecard from Lord's

What does the Ruth Strauss Foundation do?

The Ruth Strauss Foundation provides emotional support and well-being resources to patients and families navigating incurable cancer diagnoses, helping them through periods of great personal difficulty. It also funds ongoing research into rare forms of lung cancer, working to improve outcomes for those who receive the same diagnosis Ruth did.

She was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer that primarily affects non-smokers. The disease ended up taking her life, which forced Andrew Strauss and the English cricket community to make sure no one becomes a victim. Its impact was so profound that Strauss started this campaign to ensure her memory and her cause live on.

England's players wore red most prominently, with the colour featured across the front and back of their shirts, the ECB logo, and all sponsors' branding. New Zealand showed their support by having their squad numbers painted in red on the back of their shirts for the duration of the day.

MORE: Ashwin opens up on how Sooryavanshi's transition to Tests should happen

Match Situation After Day 2 at Lord's

On the opening day, England were dismissed for 140 in rain-interrupted conditions, with Kyle Jamieson claiming five wickets for New Zealand. Robinson struck back emphatically, taking four wickets for just 10 runs in his opening spell to leave the tourists reeling at 61-6 at stumps, capping a remarkable Test return.

New Zealand were bowled out for 113 on Day 2, handing England a hard-fought 27-run first innings lead. Robinson completed a five-wicket haul to earn a place on the Lord's honours board, with Josh Tongue adding 3-40. Jamieson's entertaining 38 off 29 balls was the lone New Zealand bright spot.

Robinson was visibly moved after his milestone five-wicket performance. "I can't really put it into words; it feels a bit surreal. Couldn't have dreamt it to be honest. It's just so good to be back," he told Sky Sports, rounding off a day at Lord's layered with meaning and emotion.

England vs New Zealand 1st Test: Match details

Venue: Lord's Cricket Ground, London
Captains: Ben Stokes (England), Tom Latham (New Zealand)
Toss result: New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl
Series: Crowe-Thorpe Trophy (1st of 3 Tests)
Live Telecast: Sky Sports (UK), Star Sports (India)

To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Read Entire Article