NEW DELHI: The fifth day of the final Ashes Test on Saturday commenced with a poignant and compassionate gesture from the England cricket team. In a show of support for those affected by dementia, the players donned jerseys with incorrect names printed on them.
Veteran fast bowler James Anderson, known for his remarkable skill and experience, sported a jersey bearing the name of Stuart Broad. Similarly, the talented Jonny Bairstow wore a jersey with the name of Ben Stokes, while Moeen Ali, showcased the name of Chris Woakes on his flannel.
This symbolic act was intended to mirror the confusion and disorientation often experienced by individuals grappling with dementia - a debilitating disease that robs them of their memories.
England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick explained the decision, a joint call of ECB and Alzheimer's Society.
"We are here supporting the Alzheimer's Society, and it is a subject very close to our hearts. It is a terrible disease," said Trescothick while talking to Sky Sports.
"We are here to try and raise awareness and bring it to the fore by educating people, and raising money too. The more money and awareness go into it, there will be more research.
"We have seen that new medication and new drugs have come into the market, they can make a big impact into that. Hopefully, today's initiative will keep pushing people to understand that," added Trescothick.
However, Trescothick, a former England opener, has a personal reason too to get associated with the novel effort as his father, Martyn, is living with dementia.
(With PTI Inputs)