AUS vs IND 2025: Why are players wearing black armbands in second T20I?

Published - 31 Oct 2025, 14:24 IST | Updated - 31 Oct 2025, 14:33 IST

Players from Australia and India were seen wearing black armbands at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the second T20I of the five-match series on Friday, October 31. The series opener was washed out due to incessant rainfall after only 9.4 overs could be bowled in the first innings.

For the unversed, the reason behind the gesture as well as the moment's silence which was observed was due to the tragic passing away of Australian teenage cricketer Ben Austin. Despite immediate medical attention, the 17-year-old talent lost his fight after being struck by a ball during a net session on Tuesday.

Both sides during the second semi-final of the 2025 Women's World Cup clash between India and Australia paid tribute to the departed soul by wearing black armbands in Navi Mumbai, too. Tributes for Ben and his family have been pouring in from all parts of the cricket fraternity around the globe.

Suryakumar asks to do pooja as IND lose fifth-straight toss

Australia won the toss for the fifth straight time during this series. Mitchell Marsh opted to field first. The Men in Blue were jolted four times in the first six overs. They managed to score only 40/4 in the powerplay, despite a blistering start by opener Abhishek Sharma. While Xavier Bartlett's first over went for 17 runs, Josh Hazlewood breathed fire by conceding only six runs in his three overs. The seasoned campaigner picked up three wickets too.

The hosts made one change to their XI by bringing in Matthew Short for Josh Philippe. On the other hand, the Indian team remained unchanged. Shubman Gill (5 off 10), Sanju Samson (2 off 4), Suryakumar Yadav (1 off 4) and Tilak Varma (0 off 2) were the batters to be dismissed. Abhishek Sharma got off to a flyer, scoring 29 runs off just 11 deliveries. Axar Patel came in to bat at No. 6, and is trying to build a partnership alongside Abhishek as of writing at 7.2 overs.