ENG Vs IND: Why are the players of India and England wearing a black band on the third day of the Leeds Test?

Delhi: The first match of the five -match Test series between India and England is being played in Leeds, where both teams have come on the field with the intention of leading the match. India, batting first, scored 471 runs with the help of three centuries, in response to which England also made a strong start and thanks to Oli Pope’s ninth Test century, the score of the hosts was 209 runs for 3 wickets till the end of the second day’s play. Meanwhile, on the third day, the players were seen wearing a black band on their hands.

Why did the players wear a black band on the third day?

Both teams wore the black strip to pay tribute to former England fast bowler David Lawrence, who died at the age of 61 while battling Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

Before the third day’s game began, when the pair of Oli Pope and Harry Brook returned to the crease, a minute’s silence was also kept by both teams on the field.

ECB Chairman Richard Thompson said in a statement, “David ‘Sid’ was a true guide of English cricket. His influence in the game spread far beyond the boundaries of the field. As fast bowlers, he thrilled the audience with his speed and passion.”

He further said, “Despite his illness, David showed persistence and dignity. Their legacy will always survive in the hearts of cricket lovers. In this difficult time our sensations are with his family, friends and the entire cricket community.”

Who was David Lawrence?

David Lawrence was a former fast bowler of England and Gloster’serire. He played five Test matches for England between 1988 and 1992 and took a total of 18 wickets. He took part in 185 first -class matches for Gloster Share and took 515 wickets.

He was the first British-breed black cricketer to play for England in 1988. Apart from this, he was also appointed as the first black president of his county club Gloster Shareyar in 2022.

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