![](https://www.wisden.com/static-assets/waf-images/55/b5/ea/16-9/DkhJilvpUK.jpg?v=23.06&w=1200)
The West Indies have changed their traditionally maroon shirt numbers to light blue for the second day of the Test match against England at Edgbaston, to raise awareness for the Bob Willis Fund.
The Saturday of an Edgbaston Test match has been known as 'Blue For Bob' day since 2021. It's aim is similar to that of the 'Pink' day of Melbourne Test matches, and 'Red For Ruth' day at Lord's. Each side wears bits of blue on their kit to raise money for the Bob Willis Fund, which was set up in memory of the legendary England fast bowler following his death from prostate cancer in 2019.
Both sides wore light blue caps before the day's play, with each squad member signing their cap to auctioned off to raise awareness and funds to fight prostate cancer. The West Indies, however, took their part in the day a step further, with the numbers on the backs of each of the players changed to blue.
Blue for Bob!🧢
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 27, 2024
Today, we play and bring awareness and raise funds for prostate cancer with the @bobwillisfund.🙌🏾
To donate, visit https://t.co/7eTxej85pu #ENGvWI #BlueForBob pic.twitter.com/p4QXO50IDj
As part of the TV coverage building up to the day, former England fast bowler James Anderson revealed a poem Willis wrote for him when he went past Ian Botham to become England's leading Test wicket-taker. He read the poem while sitting with former England teammate Stuart Broad.
James Anderson reads out the poem that Bob Willis wrote for him.#BlueForBob 💙 pic.twitter.com/EkqCcFvKuO
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 27, 2024
Willis took 325 wickets for England across 90 Test matches between 1971 and 1984. He was also England captain in the latter part of his career. One of his most memorable spell was in the famous Headingley Ashes Test match in 1981, where he took 8-43 on the final day to secure England an unlikely victory.
After retiring, he became a popular, unflinching pundit, with his analysis on The Verdict appointment viewing, especially after England had put in a poor performance.
Follow Wisden for all ENG vs WI series updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.