SPORTSWEAR brand Castore, which was formed by Wirral brothers Phil and Tom Beahon, had launched its new England Cricket Test Collection.

The brothers, who are from Bromborough, only launched the business in 2016 with a £25,000 loan from their parents, who both remortgaged their homes.

Before that, both played professional sport – football for Tranmere Rovers and cricket at Lancashire, respectively – but grew disillusioned.

Now after five years of selling high-end training T-shirts, hoodies and shorts almost solely online, the firm's evenue hit £100m in 2021 and they count Sir Andy Murray as an investor.

Talking about the new kit which will be worn by England's Test cricketers, a spokesperson for Castore, said: "Key players and leadership groups across the men’s and women’s teams collaborated with Castore to create a high-performance Test kit that is specific to the needs of an elite-level cricketer.

"Players were an integral part of the design process, helping designers develop a high-quality product that is ready for performing in the most testing format of the game."

Instead of the traditional off-white that supporters are used to seeing, the new test shirt sports a bright white with blue piping detail.

"The new kit will add a flash of colour to the movement of players during Test matches," added the spokesperson.

 

"Castore have engineered their innovative technology into the shirts which has previously been seen in their football kit designs. The breathable properties of the jacquard wicking fabric to assist with ventilation which keeps athletes cool and focused throughout their matches.

"The England Cricket Test Collection continues Castore and ECB’S joint initiative to provide England players and supporters with kit that is rooted in sportswear technology and innovation."

The Castore/ECB Test Collection will be available to purchase first from https://shop.ecb.co.uk/