Revealed: Why India, Australia players and Umpires are wearing black armbands in ICC WTC final

A Three-train collision took place in Odisha's Balasore district that killed more than 300 people.

India are taking on Australia for the World Test Championship at The Oval in London, England. Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first against the Australian team. India have also got off to a great start as Mohammed Siraj has struck early to put Australia under pressure. Indian pace bowling attack has been in a good rhythm against Australian openers. They are using the slightly overcast conditions well and also getting the movement of the wicket. Both teams have entered the field with black armbands as a gesture to mourn the lives lost in the Balasore Train accident that took place on 2nd June.  

Emotional gesture by players and match officials

On 2nd June, a massive train collision took place in Odisha’s Balasore district that killed more than 300 people on board and injured over 1100 travelling to their respective destination. In a tweet BCCI released a statement, “The team mourns the deaths and offers its deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who tragically lost their lives. To express solidarity with those affected, Team India will wear black armbands”. Australian Cricket team and umpires are also accompanying Team India in expressing their solidarity with the victims of the Balasore train tragedy. Teams and match officials also observed a two-minute silence before the National Anthems. 

There was a massive three-train collision between Coromandel Express, Howrah-Yeshwantpur Express, and a goods train. Due to a reported signal failure and possible interlocking change, these trains collided with each other which resulted in a massive train tragedy killing these many people. India will be looking to finish the game on a winning note to dedicate this WTC title to families suffering in the Balasore accident. India lost their previous WTC Final in 2021 against New Zealand. While Australia are playing in the finals for the first time.