The hallowed turf of Lord’s Cricket Ground was awash with a striking sea of red as players, staff and thousands of spectators united for a cause that transcended cricket. On Day 2 of the third Test between England and India, the iconic venue hosted its annual #RedForRuth Day, transforming the Home of Cricket into a vibrant symbol of solidarity, remembrance and hope.

What is #RedForRuth Day?

#RedForRuth Day is an initiative spearheaded by the Ruth Strauss Foundation (RSF), established in memory of Ruth Strauss, the 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 with a mission to support families facing the terminal illness of a parent, fund research into rare lung cancers, and train healthcare professionals in palliative care.

Red was Ruth’s favourite colour, and it has become the emblematic hue of the campaign. The initiative encourages everyone at Lord’s—players, coaches, broadcasters, and fans—to wear red as a visual show of support for the Foundation’s work. The colour transforms the historic ground, creating a powerful, unified statement that raises both awareness and vital funds for families affected by terminal illness.

Day 2 of the Lord’s Test: A sea of red and a heartfelt tribute

Players and officials from both England and India donned red caps, shirts and accessories.

Spectators were encouraged to arrive early, dressed in red, to participate in a special opening ceremony.

Volunteers distributed ‘Ruth Roses’ and sold the popular #RedForRuth bucket hats, with proceeds supporting RSF’s initiatives.

Andrew Strauss’s children rang the ceremonial bell before play, marking the occasion with a poignant family moment.

The stands, usually a blend of whites and team colours, were unified in red, while the ground itself featured red-themed decorations and awareness banners. The sight was both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, as the cricketing community paused to remember Ruth and support families facing similar struggles.

Since its inception, the Foundation has supported over 3,500 family members and trained thousands of healthcare professionals in handling end-of-life conversations. Its work has helped normalize discussions around death and terminal illness, especially when children are involved, and has provided a lifeline to families navigating unimaginable challenges.