With the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final between Australia and South Africa well underway, fans are curious to find out why players of both teams are wearing black armbands
So far, the final has featured intense drama and rapid progress, setting the stage for a possible result on Day 3.
Explained why are players wearing black armbands today during the Australia vs South Africa WTC Final 2025
Today All the players wearing black band in WTC final to give respects to all the people who lost their lives in a tragic incident yesterday in Ahmedabad, India. 💔
Indian team and support staff also wearing black armbands in England.
A minute of silence was observed to pay… pic.twitter.com/DiRi1e4THK
— RJ ALOK (@OYERJALOK) June 13, 2025
Umpires, Players all wearing Black arm-bands in WTC final for Ahmedabad incident. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QZQxsR3wJj
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 13, 2025
Over the past two days, both teams have exchanged heavy blows, with Australia holding a slight upper hand.
World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final preview
The WTC 2025 final has so far been nothing short of exciting, with Kagiso Rabada wreaking havoc on Day 1. Rabada managed to secure a five-wicket haul, beating Australia at 212. However, the Aussies struck back fiercely, with captain Pat Cummins snatching six wickets and bowling out South Africa for just 138. In the second innings, South Africa fought back and reduced Australia to 73-7. However, Alex Carey managed 43 to help Australia stretch their lead to 218. Ahead of the start of Day 3, Australia stands at 144-8, with a slight advantage. However, South Africa still holds a solid chance with the current pitch conditions and match tempo.
World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final next match
As Day 3 of the final series unfolds, Australia will look to build their lead with the remaining two wickets. The Aussies have their goals set on the target beyond 250. Meanwhile, South Africa also has a dangerous lineup of stroke-makers and will likely adopt an aggressive approach during the chase. Notably, teams have managed to chase more than 200 at Lord’s only once since 2005.
Reason behind Australia and South Africa Players wearing black armbands
Players from both the Australia and South Africa national cricket teams are wearing black armbands in the ongoing WTC final 2025. The players are wearing it as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The incident took place on June 12, 2025, when an Air India Boeing 787 en route from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the death of over 200 people.