England vs Australia, Ashes 2019: Lord’s turns red in memory of Ruth Strauss

The spectators on day two of the second Ashes Test on Thursday were encouraged to wear red in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation, set up by former England captain Andrew Strauss after his wife died of a rare form of lung cancer last year, aged 46.

A message is displayed on the big screen in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation before the match.   -  reuters

“To understand how much awareness and money comes out of it, which then makes a difference to people’s lives, you guys (the McGrath Foundation) have paved the way and that makes it easier for those of us that follow,” Strauss told the BBC Test Match Special podcast.

Andrew Strauss' wife, Ruth, died of a rare form of lung cancer last year, aged 46.   -  getty images

“If we can in some way replicate what they’ve done then I’ll be very happy and I know that Ruth would be looking down feeling very honoured, a bit embarrassed, and very proud as well that we’ve been able to do something that really does make a difference," he added.

This Over the last decade, the Sydney Pink Test has become a national phenomenon and is the largest sporting fund-raising initiative in Australia.

A joint initiative by the McGrath Foundation and Cricket Australia, the campaign hopes to promote breast cancer awareness.

For the last 10 years, Australia has continued the tradition of hosting the Pink Test in the beginning of a new year to raise funds.

Showing his solidarity for the noble cause, India skipper Virat Kohli had added a dash of pink to his batting gear - gloves and pads during the Test series last year.