The third day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa began with an emotional gesture, as players from both sides were seen wearing black armbands while walking onto the field at Lord’s. The mood at the ground was unusually subdued, and a two-minute silence was also observed before the start of play.
Reason why South Africa and Australian players are wearing black armbands in WTC final
It was later confirmed that the teams were paying homage to the victims of a tragic plane crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, India. An Air India Boeing 787 aircraft, scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in numerous casualties. The cricketing community came together to express solidarity and mourn the loss of lives through the symbolic gesture of wearing black armbands.
In what has otherwise been an intense and fast-moving Test match, this act of remembrance reminded everyone that some things are far bigger than sport. The players’ show of unity and empathy on such a grand stage stood out as a powerful moment of respect and human connection.
Also READ: From Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya: Tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad leaves cricketers heartbroken
Australia hold narrow edge as tension builds
On the cricketing front, Australia resumed their second innings at 144 for 8, holding a 218-run lead over South Africa. Pat Cummins and his men would be eager to stretch that advantage beyond the 250-mark, which could prove crucial on a pitch that’s growing more difficult for batting.
South Africa, however, are far from out of contention. With the ball still doing a bit and a chase of over 200 already a rare feat at Lord’s in recent years, the Proteas will aim to strike early and keep their hopes alive. The surface demands both caution and clarity—qualities that could bring out the best in South Africa’s attacking middle order.
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