Ashes 2023: England, Australia players wear black armbands to pay respects to Nottingham victims

By Gurmeet
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Updated: June 18, 2023
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Australia and England locked horns in one of the most iconic Test series in cricketing history as they have a go at each other in the opening day of the 1st Test of Ashes 2023.

Before the match, the players from both sides wore black bands and observed one minute silence in memory of the victims of the Nottingham attack.

The deeply distressing scenes witnessed in Nottingham this week have brought immense sorrow to everyone, particularly the cherished friends and families of the victims,” England men’s test captain Ben Stokes had said on Thursday.

“It is impossible to express how much their lives and futures have been tragically disrupted. These events sadden the England cricket teams, and we are thinking about those affected at this harrowing time. As a gesture of respect, we will honour them by wearing black armbands.”

Three people died and another was left in a critical condition after the attack.

One of the teenage victims, Grace Kumar, had played hockey for England’s Under-18 team and cricket for Woodford Wells Cricket Club and her fellow student Barnaby Webber was said to be a keen cricketer.

Meanwhile, England won the toss and opted to bat first against Australia at Edgbaston on Friday.

England captain Ben Stokes chose to bat on what appears a good batting wicket in hot and sunny conditions. Australia captain Pat Cummins said he would have also batted.

England, which had already named its lineup, has won 12 of its last 17 tests with its attacking and carefree “Bazball” approach under Stokes and coach Brendon (“Baz”) McCullum.

Australia went for Josh Hazelwood at the expense of pacer Mitchell Starc. Seamer Scott Boland, who impressed recently against India, keeps his place in attack along with Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who has taken 487 test wickets.