Ashes 2023: England players sport wrong jerseys on Day 3 to spread awareness about Dementia

The fifth Test of the Ashes 2023 being played at the Oval in London is evenly poised as both England and Australia have levelled each other in the first innings. Apart from entertaining the fans with riveting action on the field, both the teams stood in solidarity towards a social cause ahead of Day 3 on Saturday, July 29.

Ahead of the day’s play, members of the Alzheimer’s Society, an organization working towards the betterment of those affected by dementia, were present on the ground. A special choir consisting of people affected by the medical condition sang ‘Jerusalem’ to spread awareness about the disease as the entire stadium and players from both teams stood up to honour them. Notably, England players wore the wrong shirts to further support the cause.

Watch the video here:

A moving and powerful rendition of Jerusalem 👏@alzheimerssoc | #CricketShouldBeUnforgettable pic.twitter.com/cMC37JWC96

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2023

Coming back to the Ashes 2023, Australia are leading the series by 2-1 after England’s hopes of leveling the series in the fourth Test were spoiled by incessant rain on the last two days of the game. As a result, Australia have already retained the Ashes being the current holders of the ‘urn’. 

However, the Pat Cummins-led side will be eager to win their first Ashes in England after 22 years. Notably, Australia won their last Ashes on English soil back in 2001 under the leadership of Steve Waugh. Having been crowned the World Test Champions in June, Australia will be eager to get another achievement under their belt and sign off from the tour on a high note.

England get off to a good start on Day 3

On the other hand, England will be keen to keep their 22-year-long unbeaten record at home in the Ashes intact by winning the last Test. After being put in to bat first, the Ben Stokes-led side posted 283 in the first innings courtesy of a brilliant 85 by Harry Brook.  In reply, Australia scored 295 in the first innings with Smith top scoring with 71.

Meanwhile, England got off to a good start on Day 3 as openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett added 55 runs for the first wicket.