Why England Players Are Wearing Black Armbands During the First Test Against New Zealand at Lord’s?

England players wore black armbands and held a minute of silence before the first Test match against New Zealand at Lord’s on Thursday. They did this to honor and remember nine former England players who have died since England’s last home international match against India on August 4, 2025.

England Pay Tribute to Former Players Before Rain-Interrupted First Test at Lord’s

The list of players include Ken Shuttleworth, John Jameson, Barry Knight, among others. The cermony also included a tribute to New Zealand great Martin Crowe on his tenth death anniversary, with his daughter Emma Crowe ringing the customary bell before the start of play.

New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and chose to bowl first. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson dismissed debutant Emilio Gay early, but rain stopped play and forced an early lunch break.

At lunch, England cricket team were 24/1 after 10 overs in the first Test against New Zealand cricket team at Lord's Cricket Ground.