Xtra Time Web Desk: Virat Kohli led Indian team were seen wearing black armbands during the first ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. The Australians too sported the black armbands in the honour of former Australian cricketers Dean Jones and Phil Hughes.
The players from both teams observed a minute’s silence for Dean Jones, who died in Mumbai during his commentary assignment for recently concluded IPL 2020 in September. The former Australia batsman who had represented his country in 52 Tests and 164 ODIs was honoured by the cricketers of both teams. To honour his life, Cricket Australia has decided to pay two significant tributes during the India series.
It was also the sixth death anniversary of talented Australian batsman Phil Hughes who died after being hit on the neck by a Sean Abbott bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match. The Indian captain Virat Kohli attended the funeral of Hughes at Macksville, six years back during the tour of Australia.
The Indian team also took part in the Barefoot Circle ceremony pledging their support against racism and joined Australia in acknowledging traditional owners of the land.