IND vs AUS: Why India and Australia players are wearing black-armbands during the 2nd T20I at the MCG? Revealed

Ankitjit Singh is a Sub-Editor at Khel Now, known for his in-depth knowledge of cricket.

Published at :October 31, 2025 at 1:58 PM

Modified at :October 31, 2025 at 1:58 PM

IND vs AUS, India, Australia, Mitchell Marsh and Suryakumar Yadav

(Courtesy : BCCI)

Australia won the toss and elected to field first in the second IND vs AUS T20I at the MCG.

Indian Cricket Team and Australian Cricket Team are crossing swords with each other in the second match of the five-match T20I series. The match between the two teams is underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on Friday, October 31.

After the washout in the first game, India and Australia would be keen to start fresh and would want to take an early lead in the series. The second T20I between the teams will also see players of both teams performing a special gesture.

Indian and Australian players are wearing the black armbands to pay their tribute to a young Australian cricketer, Ben Austin, who lost his life. Hailing from Melbourne, the 17-year-old got hit on the head while batting in nets and succumbed to injuries, shocking the entire cricket fraternity. The two teams also paid tribute to the young batter as the entire MCG stood in solidarity, observing a minute of silence.

The gesture was performed by the Indian and Australian women’s team in the semi-final of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 as well. The match took place at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Friday (October 31) and saw India winning the match by five wickets.

The Indian team would be inspired by the women team’s win and would want to win the second T20I against Australia at the MCG. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side went in with the same XI, while the hosts made a one change, including Matthew Short in place of Josh Philippe.

India and Australia playing XI for the Melbourne T20I

IND vs AUS, AUS vs IND, India vs Australia, India, Australia, Suryakumar Yadav, Mitchell Marsh — Mitchell Marsh, Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Australia: Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis(w), Tim David, Matthew Short, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood

Who won the first IND vs AUS T20I?

The first IND vs AUS T20I ended without a result due to rain.

Where is the second IND vs AUS T20I taking place?

The second IND vs AUS T20I is taking place at the MCG in Melbourne.

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Ankitjit Singh

Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.