WTC Final Day 3: Why are players wearing black armbands in the WTC 2025 final?

On the third day of the World Test Championship Final (WTC 2025) at Lord’s, both Australia and South Africa paused to observe a minute’s silence. Players from both sides also wore black armbands as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the tragic Air India plane crash. The flight was heading to London from Ahmedabad when the accident happened on Thursday, June 12.

Why Are Players Wearing Black Armbands During the WTC Final?

On Thursday afternoon, an Air India flight with 242 people on board, 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed just 33 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. The plane hit the hostel building of BJ Medical College, turning it into one of the most tragic air disasters in recent times. The crash took many lives, not just those on the flight but also students and staff at the college, with the death toll crossing 260.

As the players walked onto the field for Day 3 of the final, everything paused for a quiet moment. They stood still, took off their caps and helmets, and joined the crowd in a minute of silence to honour the people who lost their lives. Each of them also wore a black armband as a mark of respect.

One man, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, an Indian-origin British national, miraculously survived and has since shared his harrowing experience. The incident has triggered widespread grief, with tributes coming in from cricketers, political leaders, and citizens across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and conducted a review. The Indian government is now considering grounding the Boeing 787-8 fleet pending investigations.

South Africa Fight Back After Cummins' Heroics; 282 Needed to Win

Talking about the match, Australia were right on top after their captain Pat Cummins bowled a brilliant spell, taking 6 wickets for just 28 runs. His effort bowled South Africa out for only 138 in their first innings, giving Australia a handy lead of 74 runs. But South Africa fought back strongly. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi bowled with fire and tore through the Aussie batting, leaving them struggling at 144 for 8 by the end of Day 2. On the morning of Day 3, South Africa started well again, removing Nathan Lyon quickly, leaving only Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood at the crease as the last pair.

Finally, South Africa managed to pick up the last wicket. And with that, it will be lunch on day three. 282 to win for South Africa. 

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