Eng vs Ind: The reason why players and audiences wear red on the second day of the main test is
The sacred grass on the ground of the Lord’s cricket was flooded with impressive seas of red as players, staff and thousands of spectators united for a cause that transcended cricket. Day 2 of The third test between England and Indiathe iconic venue hosted its annual #RedForruth Day, transforming the cricket home into a vibrant symbol of solidarity, memory and hope.
What is #RedForruth Day?
#RedForruth Day is an initiative led by the Ruth Strauss Foundation (RSF). Ruth StraussThe late wife of former England captain Andrew Strauss. Ruth Strauss passed away in December 2018 at the age of 46 after a battle with a rare form of non-smoking lung cancer. The foundation was launched in 2019 and was tasked with training for families facing terminal illnesses in parents, financial research on rare lung cancer, and palliative care health professionals.
Red is Loose’s favorite colour and has become an iconic shade for the campaign. The initiative encourages all Lord’s (players, coaches, broadcasters, fans) to wear red as a show of visual support for the foundation’s work. This colour changes historical foundations and produces a powerful, unified statement that raises both awareness and critical funding among families affected by terminal illness.
Day 2 of the Lord’s Trial: Red Sea and Heartfelt Praise
Both English and Indian players and officials wore red hats, shirts and accessories.
Audiences were encouraged to arrive early in red dress to attend the special opening ceremony.
Volunteers distributed “Ruth Roses” and sold #Redforruth Bucket Hats, a popular revenue-supporting RSF initiative.
Andrew Strauss’ children ring a ritual bell before they played, marking the opportunity with a poignant family moment.
The stands, usually a blend of white and team colors, were unified in red, but the ground itself featured red themed decorations and enlightenment banners. The sight resonated visually astoundingly as the cricket community remembered Ruth and stopped to support families facing similar struggles.
The Lord is red for Loose ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6x44hdxp6l
– Sky Sports Cricket (@skycricket) July 11, 2025
Since its founding, the foundation has supported more than 3,500 families and trained thousands of medical professionals in handling terminal conversations. The work helped normalize discussions about death and terminal illness, especially when children were involved, providing a lifeline for families navigating unimaginable challenges.