The highly-anticipated Ashes series between England and Australia is all set to get underway on Friday (June 16). The old rivals will be reigniting their celebrated Test rivalry at Edgbaston.
The cricketing world is eagerly waiting for the contest between the reigning WTC champions and arguably the best Test team in the last one year to start. The much-awaited series, however, will begin on a poignant note. In the wake of the horrific stabbing incident that took place earlier this month in the English city of Nottingham, the England players will be wearing black armbands on day one of Test against Australia.
The English team has decided to come up with the gesture in honor of those who lost their lives during the dastardly attack. Before the action begins in Birmingham, a minute’s silence will also be observed. England’s women cricketers will also be doing the same during their one-off Test against Australia in Nottingham, starting from June 22-26.
“The deeply distressing scenes witnessed in Nottingham this week have brought immense sorrow to everyone, particularly the cherished friends and families of the victims,” England men’s Test captain Ben Stokes said.
“It is impossible to express how much their lives and futures have been tragically disrupted. These events sadden the England cricket teams, and we are thinking about those affected at this harrowing time. As a gesture of respect, we will honour them by wearing black armbands,” he added.
The stabbing incident left three people dead while another was left in a critical condition. One of the teenage victims, Grace Kumar, had played hockey for England’s Under-18 team and cricket for Woodford Wells Cricket Club and her fellow student Barnaby Webber was said to be a keen cricketer.
“It was incredibly saddening to learn about the events that took place in Nottingham, and it felt a bit closer to home to learn that two of the victims had been cricket players,” England women’s captain Heather Knight said.
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