Indian players wore black armbands during day one of the India vs County Select XI to mark their repect to Yashpal Sharma
After seeing their prayers of a warm up match in England answered as the ECB arranged a three day practice contest between India and County XI, the visitors stepped out for the three day event on Tuesday. Albeit merely a warm up match, the ramifications from the tie were aplenty.
With New Zealand wiping the floor with India in the WTC final as the Indians were routed by 8 wickets, the ongoing warm up fixture was much needed. It not only allowed the side to test a slew of players but also accorded the side much needed time out on the English pitch.
And the side named a massively changed side with the likes of Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane all away from the clash. The Rohit Sharma lead outfit saw Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav and KL Rahul who filled in for Rishabh Pant who was recently diagnosed with COVID-19.
India vs County Select XI: Indian Players Wear Black Armbands To Respect Yashpal Sharma
The Indian side which batted first in the outing was seen sporting black armbands on its shirt sleeve. It was to mark respect to the recently departed Yashpal Sharma who had lost life ensuing a massive cardiac arrest.
The moment was widely lauded by ardent cricket supporters across the global stage. Yashpal Sharma was an integral part of Indiaโs 1983 World Cup winning side with his ability to clean the ball and send it past the fence remembered to date.
Another interesting development from the match was Washington Sundar and Avesh Khan both plying their wares for the home side in Durham. With this being a county matchup, both the Indians were allowed to represent County Select XI.
Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar playing for County (CSXI) against Indian Team in warm up match at Chester – le – Street
This would be great to watch!#Indian#Durham#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/2YPsIboroN
— Nilesh G (@oye_nilesh) July 20, 2021
India meanwhile saw their troubles in quick bowling friendly conditions continue unabated with the team getting cold feet in the opening session. The side was reduced to 83-3 with KL Rahul and Hanuma Vihari trying to string together a partnership of note.
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