Both England and Australian players were seen wearing black armbands during the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The poignant gesture was made as a tribute to the victims of a recent stabbing and van attack in the English city of Nottingham. Before the action commenced on Friday (June 16), a minute’s silence was observed, highlighting the unity and respect among players from both teams.
The decision to wear black armbands and hold a moment of silence was a somber acknowledgement of the tragedy that unfolded in Nottingham. This tribute was a way for the cricketing fraternity to express their condolences and stand in solidarity with the affected community. The same solemn process will also be observed before the Women’s one-off Test in Nottingham on June 22.
The Nottingham attack claimed the lives of three individuals, while another victim remains in critical condition. Among those whose lives were cut short were two young students. One of the teenage victims was Grace Kumar, a talented athlete who represented England’s Under-18 hockey team and played cricket for Woodford Wells Cricket Club. Another one was Barnaby Webber, who was described as an enthusiastic cricketer.
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first.
“We’ll bat first. Looks a great cricket wicket. Good toss to win,” said Stokes at the toss.
“Happy to have Mo [Moeen Ali] back, unfortunate injury to Leachy [Jack Leach]. I’ve seen Mo produce some great performances in the past, we know what he can bring to the team,” he added.
Playing XI:
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland
England: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jonny Bairstow(w), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson.
