England could wear blue armbands during Tests to honour NHS
Tribute during West Indies series to be discussed following health service's efforts in pandemic
George Dobell
09-Jun-2020
England's players took the field wearing black armbands in memory of Tom Graveney • Getty Images
The England team could wear blue armbands during the Test series against West Indies in recognition of the contribution of NHS workers and other care staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tributes to care workers, who have borne the brunt of the virus in their efforts to keep others safe, have been a feature of the lockdown in the UK. Millions joined in a weekly 'clap for carers' which ran for a couple of months at 8pm on Thursday nights, while others have been motivated to launch their own charity efforts.
Several England players have already expressed their gratitude towards the NHS. Notably, Jos Buttler raised more than £65,000 for the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals when he auctioned the shirt he was wearing when England sealed the World Cup.
England's contracted players also pledged £500,000 to the ECB and various good causes, while Colonel Tom Moore, the World War 2 veteran who raised tens of millions for the NHS with a charity walk, was presented with an England cap and named as an "honorary member of the England cricket team".
While it is understood that no firm decision has been made whether to wear the armbands, discussions on the subject are on-going.
George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo