The third day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa started with an emotional gesture, as gamers from either side had been seen sporting black armbands whereas strolling onto the sphere at Lord’s. The temper on the floor was unusually subdued, and a two-minute silence was additionally noticed earlier than the beginning of play.
Cause why South Africa and Australian gamers are sporting black armbands in WTC closing
It was later confirmed that the groups had been paying homage to the victims of a tragic aircraft crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, India. An Air India Boeing 787 plane, scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, leading to quite a few casualties. The cricketing group got here collectively to precise solidarity and mourn the lack of lives by means of the symbolic gesture of sporting black armbands.
In what has in any other case been an intense and fast-moving Take a look at match, this act of remembrance reminded everybody that some issues are far larger than sport. The gamers’ present of unity and empathy on such a grand stage stood out as a strong second of respect and human connection.
Additionally READ: From Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya: Tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad leaves cricketers heartbroken
Australia maintain slim edge as stress builds
On the cricketing entrance, Australia resumed their second innings at 144 for 8, holding a 218-run lead over South Africa. Pat Cummins and his males could be desirous to stretch that benefit past the 250-mark, which may show essential on a pitch that’s rising tougher for batting.
South Africa, nonetheless, are removed from out of rivalry. With the ball nonetheless doing a bit and a chase of over 200 already a uncommon feat at Lord’s lately, the Proteas will goal to strike early and preserve their hopes alive. The floor calls for each warning and readability—qualities that might convey out the perfect in South Africa’s attacking center order.
Additionally READ: Here’s why the India vs India A warm-up match won’t be live-streamed
