Tuesday 22 / October / 2024
London: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced that players will wear training shirts bearing the names of key workers before their first Test against West Indies, with the series being named #RaiseTheBat Test Series as part of their 'Together Through This Test' campaign.
The people whose names will appear have been nominated by local cricket clubs, with a range of professions being represented including teachers, doctors, nurses, carers and social workers among others.
One name which will be on display is that of Dr Vikas Kumar, a specialist in Anaesthetics and Critical Care at Darlington Memorial Hospital, who has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic as well as supporting his young family. Vikas is a keen cricketer, playing for club sides Cowgate Cricket Club, in Newcastle, and Gilli Boys Amateur Club, in Darlington.
Another key worker who will be honoured is Astwood Bank Cricket Club player Emily Blakemore, who has been caring for COVID-19 patients in the hospital where she works as a nurse. In addition to playing for them, Emily also volunteers for Astwood Bank's junior section, helping develop the next generation of players. In a press release, she explained how much it meant to have her work recognised and appreciated in such a way.
"It’s going to be an absolute honour to see one of the England Men’s players come out while wearing my name on the back of their shirt," Blakemore said in an ECB press release. "It has been such a difficult time for so many people, and there’s still a lot of hard work ahead, but it’s exciting that we’ll be able to see some cricket again. The cricket family has really pulled together at a tough time and I can’t wait until we can get playing at my club again. Until then, hopefully Joe Root and the team can give us something to cheer about. Summer isn’t summer without cricket."
Commenting on the new name for the series, ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said: "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.
"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 captain Joe Root also paid tribute to key workers, as well as thanking West Indies for their part in the return of international cricket.
"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," Root said. "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."
