England’s Third Test against the West Indies this month will be the second annual Ruth Strauss Foundation Test to raise funds in memory of the former captain Sir Andrew Strauss’s late wife.
Ruth Strauss died in December 2018 aged 46 after a battle with a rare form of lung cancer that only affects non-smokers, with the foundation set up last year.
The Lord’s Ashes draw last summer was the inaugural “Red For Ruth” Test, with funds raised throughout, the players wearing commemorative shirts and using red stumps, and fans encouraged to wear red on the Saturday. It raised £550,000.
There will be no fans at the biosecure Test series but the ECB and broadcasters Sky – for whom Strauss will be working – will be encouraging people to send in pictures from home wearing red on the Saturday, the second day of the Test.
They will also hold an online auction.
“Last year I was humbled and honoured by the support of the wider cricket family,” said Andrew Strauss. “The day will look very different to last year but we are very grateful to the ECB and Lancashire Cricket Club for their assistance in making this happen during what has been a difficult period for everyone.”
