Credit: Google

Credit: Google

The second day of third Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India turned red in a tribute to Ruth Strauss Foundation during the annual Ruth Strauss or "#RedForRuth" Day. The initiative is a crucial tradition for English summer cricket’s calendar. The foundation has entered its seventh year and every year on July 11 at Lord's, players, broadcasters, and spectators don red to show support to its objective. The initiative aims to encourage everyone to wear red to raise awareness and funds for families that face the loss of a parent to cancer disease. Back in 2019, the foundation was formed in memory of Ruth Strauss, the late wife of former England skipper Andrew Strauss.

Ruth Strauss passed away at the age of 46 in 2018, while battling a rare form of lung cancer. Lord’s was engulfed in red colour with both teams standing together and forming a heart shape. Ruth’s husband and former England skipper Andrew Strauss stood with his children at the centre to ring the conventional bell to commence the second day’s play.

Andrew Strauss talks about Ruth Strauss Foundation

Andrew Strauss revealed that the first year of the foundation was emotional for him, but now he feels proud of how the mission is succeeding in assisting families who are bereaved after losing their loved ones. In his speech, he also expressed his love for cricket.

"The first year was obviously a deeply emotional time for me and my boys. It's a very proud time for me to see how far the foundation has come, and it makes me feel very warm and fuzzy inside to know that we are helping so many people and, in some way, holding their hands through an incredibly tough time in their lives. Cricket is my home, and hopefully will always be my home," Andrew Strauss said on the importance of Ruth Strauss Day at Lord's before the start of play on day two of England versus India Test match.