WTC Final 2025: Why are the players sporting black armbands?

Thursday weighed heavy on India as a flight bound from Ahmedabad to London crashed mid-air. The Boeing 787 Air India plane crashed almost immediately after takeoff. With over 240 passengers on board, the news emerging from Ahmedabad plunged the nation into despair. Only one survivor has been noted so far, and reportedly, over 200 bodies have been recovered from the crash site in Ahmedabad. People around the world have mourned the tragic accident. Meanwhile, the Australian and South African players facing off at the WTC Final 2025 at Lord's also paid their tributes.

Australia and South Africa pay their condolences for the victims of the Air India crash ahead of Day 3 of WTC Final

Ahead of the start of Day 3 of the WTC Final Test at Lord's, Australia and South Africa observed a minute-long silence to mourn the victims of the tragic Air India plane crash. Moreover, players of both nations have worn black armbands to express their condolences to the victims. Earlier in the day, India players in England also offered condolences, holding a minute-long silence before the intra-squad practice match in Beckenham.

In a solemn gesture ahead of play, players from both Australia and South Africa assembled early on the field to pay tribute with a one-minute silence. The moment was preceded by a ceremonial bell ringing by former Australian opener Matthew Hayden at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, marking five minutes to the start of play.

Tragedy struck on Thursday when an Air India flight en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming 241 lives. Shockingly, only one person survived the devastating accident. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including both passengers and crew. As per the official manifest, the passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 citizens of the UK, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.

Meanwhile, the ongoing WTC Final between Australia and South Africa has evolved into a gripping contest. With momentum swinging constantly, both teams remain firmly in contention to lift the prestigious Test mace. The bowlers have dictated the conditions at Lord's. Across both Day 1 and Day 2, a total of 14 wickets fell each day, underscoring the difficulty batters have faced in navigating the challenging conditions in London.

Among the top performers so far, Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins have stood out with their impact across the first innings of both sides. Australia are aiming to retain their WTC crown, while South Africa are pushing to script history with their first-ever Test championship triumph. Day 3 took off with Ausralia boasting a 218-run lead over the Proteas while Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon partnered for the ninth wicket.