Team India took on Australia on the first day of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final on Wednesday (7 June) at The Oval. Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bowl first. The playing XI selected also looked settled. The players walked out to the ground wearing the new match jerseys designed and manufactured by Adidas. However, there was an unusual thing spotted- a black armband.
All the Indian players on the field sported black armbands and this left fans confused. Not just Indian players but the two Australian batters also sported black armbands. This left fans wondering why are the players of the two teams wearing black armbands. Well, it was a gesture to acknowledge the recent mishap that took place back in the country.
The Indian and Australian players are wearing black armbands to pay tribute to the people deceased in the Odisha train accident. Notably, more than 250 people died in a train accident that involved three trains colliding with each other near the Balasore district in Odisha. The players from the two teams also observed a momentary silence to pay their tributes.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement explaining the gesture from Team India. “The Indian Cricket Team will observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Odisha train tragedy ahead of the start of play on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval,” said BCCI.
“The team mourns the deaths and offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who tragically lost their lives. To express solidarity with those affected, Team India will wear black armbands.”
Also Read: “I want to win championships,” Rohit Sharma wants nothing less than a trophy at WTC Final
Fans hail the two teams for their gesture
With the pictures of players of the two teams with black armbands going viral on social media, fans shared their views. Most of them were moved by this gesture from the two teams.
Check out the reactions below.
Talking about the game, India struck early as Mohammed Siraj removed Usman Khawaja in his second over. The right-arm pacer who has developed a knack for striking with the new ball, got Khawaja caught behind the wicket. The Australian opener was dismissed for nought.
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