Why a small but very important change was made to the stumps at Headingley for the third Ashes Test

As Aussie batsman David Warner marked centre ahead of the first ball of the third Ashes Test at Headingley, many eagle-eyed viewers noticed a change to the stumps.

The base of the wickets featured the seven colours of a rainbow, a nod to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s ongoing celebration of the Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

Now in its 10th year, the campaign is designed to raise support for those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual [LGBTQIA+], with a push for collective inclusion in sport.

Star English batsman Joe Root feels it is important to embrace diversity.

‘As players, we have a platform to use and as a group we believe that cricket should be a game that everyone can play, watch and enjoy,’ he said.

The wickets featured the seven colours of a rainbow, a nod to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s ongoing participation in celebrating the Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign

‘We are really proud to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in cricket, and we know that supporting a campaign like this can help LGBTQ+ individuals feel supported in the game.’

Teammates Ben Stokes and Jimmy Anderson showcased their support by wearing rainbow wristbands, and some members of the English women’s cricket team donned rainbow-coloured shoe laces during a T20 Ashes match at The Oval in London against the Aussies.

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Come day two at Headingley, the all blue-coloured stumps will return as the hosts look to keep the Ashes series alive.

After a pulsating opening day’s play, England are 3/68 in reply to Australia’s 263, with Mitchell Marsh’s century saving the tourists, who at times had no answer to Mark Wood’s pace, who finished with impressive figures of 5/34.

Marsh, who replaced the injured Cameron Green, blasted 118 from as many balls in an innings to savour following his Test recall.

His swashbuckling innings featured 17 boundaries and four sixes, and the much maligned all-rounder – who also claimed the key wicket of Zak Crawley with the ball – was elated after day one.

Mitchell Marsh plundered a much needed century as Australia posted 263 in their first innings

‘It was pretty amazing. I’m a little lost for words,’ Marsh said.

‘It was a crazy day. It was nice to be back wearing my baggy green and it was a long time coming.

‘Coming in before lunch today was some of the toughest conditions I have come in in my Test career so far.

‘I’m really proud of the work I have done mentally to overcome nerves…. then I was able to get into the contest.’

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