High-flying Australia will be looking to continue their fine start to the Ashes when they take on England in the second game of the five-match series. The visitors have taken the lead in the series after the thrilling 2-wicket win over England at Edgbaston.
The upcoming second Test at the iconic Lord’s will see Australia ditching their traditional baggy green caps. Pat Cummins and his teammates will instead be seen wearing red hats and the reason behind it is a very noble cause that is very close to the Australia skipper’s heart.
The players have decided to come up with the gesture in memory of Ruth Strauss – the wife of former England captain Andrew Strauss. Ruth, who was a non-smoker, passed away in 2018 aged just 46 from a rare form of lung cancer.
Following her passing, the Ruth Strauss Foundation was established with the noble purpose of commemorating her legacy and providing assistance to families grappling with the profound loss of a family member due to the disease.
Cummins also suffered a similar tragedy earlier this year in March when his mother Maria passed away due to breast cancer. Not only the Australian players, the English players will also don the red caps. Both the teams had done it previously in 2019 Ashes too. Red was Ruth’s favourite colour.
“With the incredible support of the cricket community and beyond we have been able to develop a support service for families who face the terrible ordeal of losing a loved one,” said Strauss.
“We are immensely proud and grateful for what we have been able to achieve so far – but we have a long way to go. The ambition is to help as many people as possible, and days like #RedforRuth at Lord’s are vital for us to keep going,” he added.
The second Test is scheduled to get underway on June 28.
Also Read: Shai Hope Openly Criticises West Indies Bowlers After Disappointing Loss Against Netherlands