Root, Buttler, Vaughan and KP among those to put pen to paper...
Wednesday 19 August 2015 10:28, UK
England players past and present have swapped their bats for pens to raise funds for the Cricket United charity appeal.
The current England squad, including Joe Root and Jos Buttler, have penned portraits of the 2005 Ashes-winning squad, who have returned the favour.
Andrew Flintoff drew Root as a baby crawling toward the Ashes urn, while Root reciprocated by depicting Freddie in his suit celebrating the famous 2005 Ashes victory.
Michael Vaughan, meanwhile, celebrated Stuart Broad’s Ashes winning 8-15 spell at Trent Bridge by penning the star celebrating one of his eight victims, plus Buttler sketched former Somerset team-mate Marcus Trescothick in the style of the 'Michelin Man'.
The drawings are being auctioned off on eBay to raise funds for Cricket United - supporters can bid for them by visiting bit.ly/CUAshesPortraits. The auction is open until 7pm Sunday 23rd August.
Cricket United is a joint fundraising appeal by the Lord's Taverners, Chance to Shine and the PCA Benevolent Fund which aims to improve lives through cricket.
The charities are asking cricket fans to help turn the Kia Oval blue again on Cricket United Day, 22nd August, the third day of the fifth Investec Ashes Test between England and Australia.
Talking about the drawings, England’s Ashes-winning captain Alastair Cook said: "It's a bit of fun and the lads enjoyed drawing the 2005 guys.
"We hope the portraits will raise much-needed funds for three fantastic charities, the Lord's Taverners, Chance to Shine and the PCA Benevolent Fund, and help improve lives through cricket.
"It's safe to say that the majority of us are not budding artists, but we'd urge all cricket fans to support the Cricket United appeal either through bidding for the drawings on eBay or by helping to turn the Kia Oval blue on 22nd August."
As well as wearing something blue, fans can show their support for the day by buying a Cricket United cap, raffle ticket or making a voluntary donation for a blue t-shirt during the day.
They can also make a donation by visiting www.cricketunited.co.uk or texting CRICKET to 70123 to donate £5 and help spread the word by using #cricketunited.
Funds raised from the day will help the Lord’s Taverners provide more sporting chances for disadvantaged and disabled young people; Chance to Shine to spread the power of cricket to young people in schools and communities; and the PCA Benevolent Fund to help past and present professional cricketers in their hour of need.
Other highlights of Cricket United day include:
- Children who have benefited from the charities will form a guard of honour for the players at the start of the day
- Blue coloured stumps and bails are being used for the first time in an England Test international at home
- The England and Australian team are wearing special Test shirts with the Cricket United logo on the collar to show their support to Cricket United Day
- Umpires are wearing a blue ribbon on their hat in support of Cricket United
- Investec are turning their 4 & 6 cards blue for the day
- During the lunch break, 40 young people from the Lord’s Taverners and Chance to Shine will take part in cricketing activities on the outfield
- Broadcasters, including Sky Sports' David Gower and David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd will wear special Cricket United blue suits, provided by McCann Bespoke
Test match sponsors are changing their advertising boards blue in support of the day
To find out more about Cricket United and to donate visit www.cricketunited.co.uk and follow us on social media @cricketunited
