New Balance has unveiled the new 2019 England World Cup and One Day International (ODI) kit at a Festival of Cricket event in east London.
Channelling the spirit of the 1992 kit which carried England to the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup, captain Eoin Morgan and his side will be hoping to go one better this year with the tournament staged on home soil.
The powder blue shirt features NB ICE technology and is lightweight, breathable and ultra-fast drying. England’s players have worked directly with the New Balance development team to test and select fabrics that are comfortable to perform in with a view to enhancing performance.
The shirt can be buttoned up using three press studs to give it a smarter look and features a navy blue collar and a navy trim around the base of the sleeves, as well as thin red stripes across the chest. The flame red stripe is a nod to the T20 kit as the ECB feels it is important for the three England kits and teams to be connected.
The kit was revealed to media, fans, influencers and celebrities at an event in Shadwell and was modelled on the evening by players such as New Balance ambassadors Joe Root, Danni Wyatt and Jason Roy, along with Morgan.
1992 was the first year in which teams were permitted to take to the field in different coloured kits, catapulting the England shirt into the hearts of fans and players alike.
Liam Burns, New Balance sports marketing manager, said: “The 1992 kit is one of the most-loved and iconic shirts in English cricket history and with 2019 being such an exciting year for cricket in the UK, it seemed the perfect opportunity to put a modern spin on the famous shirt.
“The buttons and the collar give the shirt a smarter feel and the heritage factor allowing fans to style the shirt away from the stadium, as well as showing their support at matches.”
Morgan said of the shirt: “This summer represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the England team on home soil and having the support of the country will be crucial. Hopefully we’ll see the stands packed with fans all wearing the new shirt and cheering us on.”
Neil Fairbrother, who was part of the 1992 side and whose original jersey was on display at the launch event, said: “I look back with great fondness at my 1992 World Cup shirt. I believe it is the most iconic of England’s World Cup shirts and I think it is fantastic that New Balance and the ECB have decided to model this year’s kit on the much loved shirt of 1992.
“We unfortunately didn’t quite manage to go all the way, but here’s hoping that the team can lift the trophy this summer and ensure this shirt eclipses ours and is remembered with even more love and affection.”
As part of New Balance’s ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign, which aims to encourage the inclusive appeal of the sport, the kit launch video features both Morgan and Roy as well as Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid. In a nod to the heritage of the shirt, there are subtle references throughout, including a poster featuring the name of Sir Alec Stewart – member of the 1992 squad – and the number 163, indicating the number of ODI dismissals he has to his name as England wicketkeeper.
The unveiling also coincides with the launch of a campaign by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to attract younger fans to the sport in such a big year both domestically and on the global stage.
The ‘Express Yourself’ campaign is aimed at encouraging 16-24-year-olds to get involved with the sport and will place a heavy focus on social media content and digital advertising.
