Local heroes honoured on England Test warm-up shirts

Five key worker heroes from Leicestershire and Rutland have been honoured by having their names displayed on the training shirts of the England Men’s Test team ahead of the start of the first #raisethebat Test against the West Indies.

The Test series, taking place behind closed doors, is honouring and celebrating the heroes who have been going above and beyond to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The England Men’s players and coaches took to the pitch at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, wearing the names of key workers on their training shirts before the start of the match.

The people named on the shirts were all nominated by their local cricket clubs and include teachers, doctors, nurses, carers and other vital professions.

Each key worker will receive the shirt bearing their name, signed by the player who wore it, to thank them for the work they’ve been doing. Their names and photos will also be highlighted in broadcast partners’ Sky and BBC’s coverage and displayed across the ground on the big screens and LED banners.

Yahya Hafejee, Support Leader at the Department for Work and Pensions will be honoured on Ollie Pope’s shirt with Dale Hardy, Head Teacher at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy honoured on Craig Overton’s shirt. Harikrishna Shah, Clinic Coordinator will be honoured on James Bracey’s shirt with Kishan Aghada, Physiotherapist honoured on Saqib Mahmood’s shirt. Finally, Chantel Jacklin, Healthcare Assistant will be honoured on Phil Scott’s shirt.

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Along with fans up and down the country, we are very excited that our England Men’s players are back on the cricket field today.

“However, we will never forget those we’ve lost and the sacrifices made by so many people during this pandemic.

“Key workers and volunteers across the country have often put their own lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s right that today we say a small thank you to some of those from the cricket family who have done us so proud.”