Ashes 2023: England, Australia and entirety of Edgbaston turns ‘blue’ for Bob Willis Fund

England Cricket Team. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The second day of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia was an action-packed affair as both teams gave their all on the field and treated fans to riveting cricketing action at Edgbaston. Australian opener Usman Khawaja stole the show with his splendid hundred (126*) to take his team to 311/5 at stumps, trailing England by 82 runs in the first innings.

Apart from the on-field action, the crowd and the players also came together to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research and awareness for the Bob Willis Fund. The initiative is run in the memory of former England cricketer, Bob Willis, who passed away due to the disease.

Ahead of the start of the day’s play, both teams walked out to the middle wearing ‘blue-coloured caps’ as the entire stadium stood up to pay respect to the legendary cricketer and the cause. Bob Willis’ wife Lauren and daughter Katie were also present at the venue and thanked people for their support in raising funds.

Edgbaston turns #BlueForBob 🔵

A great cause and a truly great man 💙https://t.co/dCCj1QWMYS pic.twitter.com/UlfmOQqOQH

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 17, 2023

Lauren revealed that they’ve raised £800,000 in their first two years, part of which has gone towards the development of new, non-invasive tests at the University of East Anglia. Several fans had turned up in big bushy wigs in memory of the legendary fast bowler. A bowling net behind the RES Wyatt Stand was also set up, where people were invited to attempt their best impressions of Willis’ loping run up and donate to the cause.

“He would have loved that declaration!” 😄

Bob Willis’ wife Lauren and daughter Katie talk about how important it is for men to get tested for prostate cancer. #BlueForBob @bobwillisfund 💙 pic.twitter.com/IqJzCalVoB

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 17, 2023

Former England cricketer, Nasser Hussain, gave it a go to imitate Willis’ run-up, however, his technique was deemed questionable by the commentary panel. Hussain even got his arm strained while imitating the legend and made the donation to the foundation.

“That is a questionable technique” 🤣

Nasser Hussain bowling for @bobwillisfund 💙 pic.twitter.com/8knaX0ZKkT

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 17, 2023

Meanwhile, it was also a dress-up day at Edgbaston as fans turned up dressed in numerous quirky costumes. There were pontiffs, lifeguards, and butchers, Jesus, two sumo wrestlers, five pineapples, 12 caddies, the cast of Scooby-Doo had all gathered to mark the momentous occasion.