Explained: Why Cricketers Are Wearing Black Armbands During IND vs AUS 2nd T20I in Melbourne

India is taking on Australia in the 2nd T20I of the five-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. The hosts made one change, Matthew Short came in for Josh Philippe. India is playing with the same team that played in the first T20I.

The previous match in Canberra was washed out after heavy rain interrupted play twice. India had reached 97 for one in 9.4 overs, with the first delay occurring when the visitors were 43 for one after five overs. The match was reduced to 18 overs per side, but persistent rain eventually forced abandonment.

At the toss of the second match, both captains were seen wearing black armbands. This caught the attention of fans, who were curious about the reason.

The teams donned black armbands in remembrance of Ben Austin, a cricketer who unfortunately died as a result of being struck on the neck by a ball during practice a few days earlier at the age of 17. Austin was a young cricketer developing his skills with the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. The incident happened during a net practice on Tuesday.

Players Wear Black Armbands to Honour Young Cricketer Ben Austin

While batting, Austin was struck on the neck by a ball despite wearing a helmet. Reports confirmed he was not using a neck guard. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and placed on a ventilator. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, he failed to survive and passed away on Thursday morning.

To pay tribute to Ben Austin, players from both India and Australia wore black armbands during the second T20I.

It is interesting that just recently, at the Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal, both the Indian as well as the Australian Women's teams also wore black arm bands to pay tribute to someone who had died.

ALSO SEE: RCB Release List 2026: Yash Dayal’s Future in Trouble, One Overseas Star Set to Leave