Joe Root takes over as England test captain
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The Prince of Wales stepped up to the crease on the Mall today, joining an array of cricketing icons from both the UK and India for a unique match that marked the official start of the countdown to the Earthshot Prize Awards in Mumbai.
Organised by Backyard Cricket, the informal game transformed one of London’s most recognisable thoroughfares into an impromptu pitch, bringing together sporting greats from across the cricketing world.
The occasion served as a celebration of the longstanding bond between Britain and India, united by their mutual love of the sport, as the Earthshot Prize prepares for what Kensington Palace has billed as its largest awards ceremony to date.
England Test captain Joe Root and white-ball skipper Harry Brook represented the men’s side, while Nat Sciver-Brunt, captain of the England Women’s team, and fellow international Danni Wyatt Hodge flew the flag for the women’s game.
From India, two former captains graced the occasion, Sourav Ganguly and Ajinkya Rahane, adding considerable star power to the proceedings.
West Indian batting great Brian Lara also took part in the festivities on the Mall.
The Tailenders podcast team were likewise involved, with presenter Greg James joined by Sir Jimmy Anderson and Issy Wong to round out an impressive roster of participants.
The match was put together by Backyard Cricket UK, a rapidly expanding online sensation rooted in North Yorkshire that has captured the imagination of cricket fans across the internet.
Founded by brothers Mark and James Wood, the outfit has built its reputation on stripping the game back to its grassroots essence, prioritising accessibility, nostalgia and sheer entertainment value.
Their squad has since expanded beyond the founding duo, with the core “Backyard Boys” lineup now featuring Mark as captain alongside Archie, Drew, Joe and James.
The group’s involvement lent the royal occasion a distinctly informal, community-spirited atmosphere befitting the Prize’s ethos.
India holds a unique position within the Earthshot ecosystem, boasting more Prize Winners and Finalists than any other country in the world.
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That track record makes Mumbai a fitting host city for what is set to be the most ambitious awards ceremony in the initiative’s history.
Kensington Palace had previously hinted that the Indian edition would surpass all prior events in scale, and today’s spectacle on the Mall appeared designed to deliver on that promise from the outset.
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