Former England skipper Andrew Strauss’ wife Ruth Strauss passed away at the age of 46 on Friday after battling with lung cancer. Ruth who was married to Andrew for 15 years was diagnosed with cancer in December 2017 during the Ashes series. Strauss, who was then the director of the England and Wales cricket board, stepped down from his post to be with his wife.
A statement from Andrew Strauss, released via the England and Wales Cricket Board and published by Sky Sports read: “It is with great sadness and immense grief that we have to announce that Ruth passed away today as a result of her rare lung cancer. Sam, Luca and I will miss her terribly.” Anyone who has met Ruth will know how loving, caring and passionately protective she was of her family and it gives us huge comfort that she was in Australia, the land of her birth, surrounded by those who love her, in her final moments.”
Ruth was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer in December 2017, and Strauss stood down from his role as England’s director of cricket to spend time with her. (Pic: Getty)
“We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to those that have helped with her treatment over the last 12 months, in particular, the wonderful team at University College Hospital in London,” it added. Ruth desperately wanted to help those affected by this terrible disease and we will be launching a foundation in due course to raise much-needed funds to aid research and also to offer support to patients and their families,” it concluded.
Former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss releases short statement confirming news of wife’s death in Australia.(Photo : AFP)
Strauss met Ruth in Sydney in 1998, and the couple got married five years later. He captained England to Ashes success over Australia in 2009 and credited his wife for playing a major role in his success. Former cricketers and England cricket board took to Twitter to send their condolences to the former England opener’s family.
TWOLIDAY OVER to say that I’m absolutely gutted for the Strauss family.
Ruth was kind, generous & only thought about others.
Jess & I been thinking about them all eve and all morning.
So sorry, Straussy! ?It puts life into perspective in a BIG way! #RIPRuth
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) December 29, 2018
Ruth will be greatly missed by everyone whose life she touched, including her many friends in cricket.
The thoughts of all at ECB are with Andrew, Sam and Luca, as well as their wider family, at this terribly difficult time. pic.twitter.com/yoZceevl0U
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) December 29, 2018
Tragic news about the passing Of Ruth Strauss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew and their family in this time of sorrow.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) December 29, 2018
Straussy, my brother & friend, no words are enough but my heart and prayers goes to you, your family & friends at this difficult time. Stay strong. With much love and prayers!
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ pic.twitter.com/kK9C3BZRhd
— Mushtaq Ahmed (@Mushy_online) December 29, 2018
