England's cricketers will wear the names of frontline workers on their shirts during the Test series against West Indies in July, the ECB have announced.
The three-match series - set to be held behind closed doors at two bio-secure venues - will be named the #RaiseTheBat Test Series in honour of the "cricketing key workers" who have supported those in need throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Players will also wear the names of a number of key workers on their training shirts prior to the start of play on the first day of the opening Test (July 8) at the Ageas Bowl.
Local cricket clubs are nominating names of people, including teachers, doctors, nurses, carers and social workers, to the ECB, who will share their stories across their media platforms.
In a statement, England men's captain Joe Root said: “We’ve waited a long time for this moment, and we wouldn’t be here without the West Indies – we are so grateful to them for making the tour happen.
"As we get back to playing the game we love, we want to take the time to honour the brave key workers who went into bat for their country under the toughest circumstances.
"It’s only fitting that we use this series as an opportunity to ‘raise a bat’ in their honour. We’ll wear their names with pride.”
ECB chief Tom Harrison added: "As we stage the first international sporting competition in the UK since COVID-19 began, we want to pay tribute to the people who have bravely played their part during this crisis.
"Through the #raisethebat Test series, we will show our gratitude to key workers.
"It has been a long and challenging journey to cricket's return and while this pales in comparison to what the country has faced, we hope the #raisethebat Test series will bring some enjoyment and light relief to people's lives."
