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The five-match Test series between India and England got underway on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, carrying significance far beyond the cricketing field. While it launches both teams’ journeys in the ICC World Test Championship cycle 2025-27, it also marks a turning point in Indian cricket, and a day of reflection and unity for two nations mourning a shared tragedy.
Reason why England and Indian players are wearing black armbands
Before the cricketing action began, Headingley bore witness to a solemn moment. Players from both teams stood together in silent tribute, wearing black armbands to honor the victims of the June 12 Ahmedabad air disaster. The tragic crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, claimed 274 lives, including 181 Indian and 53 British nationals. The shared loss cast a poignant shadow over the Test, transforming the match into a gesture of remembrance and shared humanity.
India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant had also addressed the emotional weight of the occasion few days ago during the pre-match press conference, delivering a message of resilience and national pride.
“What happened with the aircraft deeply saddened all of India. From our side, we’re focused on how we can bring happiness back to the country. The emotions will run high because of what happened, but we’ll give our all on the field. That responsibility means even more now,”
ENG vs IND: Toss update
India have embarked on this series with a renewed identity, marking the dawn of a new era following the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, three stalwarts who defined the team over the past decade. Their absence has ushered in a youthful leadership group, with Shubman Gill captaining the Test side for the first time and Pant appointed as vice-captain. Meanwhile, England skipper Ben Stokes made a bold statement by choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, reflecting the team’s intent to assert themselves early on.
For India, a significant moment in this transition came as 21-year-old left-hander Sai Sudharsan became India’s 317th Test cricketer, receiving his cap from Cheteshwar Pujara, the man who occupied the No.3 position with distinction for over a decade. Appropriately, Sudharsan is expected to take over that pivotal spot in the batting order, with captain Gill moving to No.4 and Pant set to follow at No.5 in the revamped lineup.
“Would’ve bowled first as well, might be a bit tough in the first session but it should be good to bat on later. Sun is out, should be a good batting deck for us. Preparation has been amazing, we played a practice game in Beckenham, lads are feeling great. Sai makes his debut, Karun comes in. Sai will bat at three,” Gill said at the time of toss.
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