IND vs ENG, 3rd Test Day 3: India to Wear Black Arm Bands, Here's Why

The Indian cricket team will be wearing black arm bands when they take the field on day three of the third Test of the five-match series against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, now known as Niranjan Shah Stadium, in Rajkot on Saturday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to social media to post the update that the arm bands are in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, who passed away recently.

“Team India will be wearing black arm bands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently,” BCCI posted on X.

Dattajirao, who played 11 Tests for India between 1951 and 1962, died on February 13 after remaining hospitalised for 12 days.

At 95, he was India’s oldest living Test cricketer.

Dattajirao was the father of former India batter and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad.

IND vs ENG, 3rd Test Day 3 – LIVE

India will have to play the rest of the third test with 10 men after off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin withdrew on Friday to attend a family emergency.

The nature of the emergency wasn’t disclosed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, but it said it and the team fully supported Ashwin “in these challenging times.”

“The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family,” it said in a statement. “The health and wellbeing of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time.

“The board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep the lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period.”

Ashwin had earlier reached the milestone 500th test wicket on Friday as England reached 207-2 in reply to India’s 445. He became the ninth man to 500. England have already wiped off a chunk of their first innings deficit and trail India by 238 runs going into day three. India ended up with 445 in their first innings.

The five-match series is tied 1-1.

(With inputs from Agencies)