England Cricket Black Armbands: Why are English cricketers wearing black armbands today in Ahmedabad T20I vs India?

England Cricket Black Armbands: The English cricketers are seen wearing black armbands at the Narendra Modi Stadium tonight.

During the first T20I of the ongoing England’s tour of India in Ahmedabad, England new-ball pair of Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer has justified captain Eoin Morgan’s decision of winning the toss and electing to bowl first.

While India opening batsman Lokesh Rahul (1) played on to a Jofra Archer delivery, captain Virat Kohli (0) ended up giving a regulation catch to Chris Jordan at mid-off whilst wanting to hit Rashid over the in-field.

After Kohli puzzled one and all by resting vice-captain Rohit Sharma, India sent wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant ahead of batsman Shreyas Iyer at No. 4 to register another surprising decision.

England Cricket Black Armbands

England, who are playing a T20I in India after more than four years, are clearly seen wearing black armbands at the Narendra Modi Stadium tonight. It is worth mentioning that the black armbands have been worn as a mark of respect for former England fast bowler Joey Benjamin who passed away after suffering a heart attack earlier this week.

Benjamin, 60, had made his Test debut against South Africa at The Oval in 1994. While his ODI debut had come against Australia in Sydney later in the year, his only other international appearance was an ODI against Zimbabwe on the same tour at the Gabba.

In three international appearances, Benjamin’s five wickets had come at an average and strike rate of 25.40 and 48 respectively.

“The ECB is saddened to learn of the death of former England bowler Joey Benjamin at the age of 60. Our thoughts are with Joey’s friends and family,” ECB said in a statement on Benjamin’s demise.