England Players To Wear Names Of Key Workers On Training Shirts

The England Men’s Test cricket team will wear the names of key workers on their training shirts on day one of the first Test against the West Indies.

As part of the ECB’s #Raisethebat campaign, the series – which will mark the behind-closed-doors return of cricket after the coronavirus lockdown – will celebrate members of the cricket family who have gone above and beyond to help their communities during the pandemic.

Those who are named on the shirts have all been nominated by their local cricket clubs, while their stories will also appear on the ECB’s digital platforms. 

“As we stage the first international sporting competition in the UK since COVID-19 began, we want to pay tribute to the people who have bravely played their part during this crisis. Through the #raisethebat Test Series, we will show our gratitude to key workers,” said Tom Harrison, CEO, ECB.

“It has been a long and challenging journey to cricket’s return and while this pales in comparison to what the country has faced, we hope the #raisethebat Test Series will bring some enjoyment and light relief to people’s lives.”

England Men’s Test captain Joe Root added: “We’ve waited a long time for this moment, and we wouldn’t be here without the West Indies – we are so grateful to them for making the tour happen. 

“As we get back to playing the game we love, we want to take the time to honour the brave key workers who went into bat for their country under the toughest circumstances. It’s only fitting that we use this series as an opportunity to ‘raise a bat’ in their honour. We’ll wear their names with pride.”