The iconic Ashes series is all set to feature jersey names and numbers for the first time in its history, like in the shorter formats of the game; and the Twitteratis have expressed mixed emotions to it.
The England Cricket Board (ECB), on Tuesday, posted a picture of their Test captain, Joe Root, with his name and number ‘66’ featuring on his back. This was followed by an International Cricket Council (ICC) update, which shared the images of Moeen Ali and Stuard Broad.
Names and numbers on the back of Test shirts!
— England Cricket (@englandcricket)
While the County cricket coupled with Australia's domestic first-class tournament Sheffield Shield has already seen personalized jerseys, international Test matches are yet to bring out this change. And it was in March this year that the ICC gave a thumbs up for the alterations.
After claiming their first ever World Cup, England are all set to lock horns with Ireland in a four-day Test at Lord's before heading into the Ashes, which begins from August 1.
Meanwhile, fans on Twitter are in split and this is how they are reacting to it:
— Leo Carter (@LeoCarter27)
Excited to see the players' names and numbers on the back of their Test kits. Cricket has come a long way. And cannot wait for The Ashes to start.
— kamil khan (@13kamilkhan)
No no no! Test match plain white, no numbers. Don't touch the classic. Say no to numbers
— Priyesh (@tkpriyesh)
Why not? Been doing this in county cricket for years, it’s a real aid in identifying players. What’s all the fuss about?
— oursylviacarol (@pachelbella)
Disgusting
— George leggett (@GLeggett_JT26)
I like it! After all anything that makes the game easier to follow is good - think about people with visual impairments for example.
— Andi (@admiralandrea)
What is that!! Get that off!!
— Ryan Greatorex (@gretman93)
A good addition. Improves both the supporter and media experience of seeing who it is. The game moves on. It's fine. The world won't fall off its axis.
— Aidan Begley (@aidanbegley)
delete this
— chris (@chrisxlayhe)
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @ICC
