Revealed: Why Joe Root alone is wearing black armband on Day 5 of fifth Ashes 2023 test against Australia at The Oval

England star batter Joe Root was spotted wearing a black armband on Day 5 of the Oval test.

On the fifth day of the last Ashes test match, Australia required 249 more runs to win, while England needed to take 10 wickets to secure victory. England star batsman Joe Root was seen wearing a black armband during the final day at the Kia Oval.

In a rare instance, Joe Root was seen alone wearing a black armband to pay tribute. Typically, we have witnessed all the team members wearing black armbands on such occasions, but on this particular day, it was only Root who chose to honor someone's memory in this manner.

Why Joe Root alone is wearing the black armband on fifth day of the Oval test ?

Joe Root is wearing black armband in honor of Richard Ibbotson, who sadly passed away on Saturday. He was a highly influential figure in Sheffield's cricket community, and he held the position of chair at Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club, which also happened to be Joe Root's beloved childhood cricket club.

This club held a unique and sentimental place in Root's heart, as it played a crucial role in shaping his cricketing journey and contributing significantly to his development as a cricketer. This profound connection explains why Joe Root was the only one among the England players wearing the armband as a heartfelt tribute to honor the memory of Richard Ibbotson.

Ibbotson had been associated with Sheffield Collegiate for many years, both as a player and an administrator. His involvement spanned decades, during which he played a crucial role in guiding the club through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, he played a significant part in securing a Sport England grant, which proved instrumental in supporting the club and meeting its financial needs during those trying times.

3 Wickets for England and Australia Adds 103 Runs at the end of the 1st session

Before the start of day 5, Australia had a solid start, reaching 135-0, and they needed 249 more runs to secure a victory. However, England managed to make a comeback during the 1st session, taking 3 wickets, and Australia added 103 more runs to their total. By the end of the session, Australia's score was 238-3, and they now require 146 more runs to win, while England needs 7 more wickets. Unfortunately, the start of the 2nd session was delayed due to rain, adding a touch of uncertainty to the outcome of the match. This match holds a special significance as it marks the last appearance of Stuart Broad, who had earlier announced his retirement.