ENG vs IND 2026: Why are Indian and English players wearing black armbands at Lord’s?

IND vs ENG, a moment of silence (Source: BCCI)

India and England are currently competing in the third and final ODI at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, July 19, with the series up for grab. This match is being played in the aftermath of the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers’ demise.

The former West Indies all-rounder passed away on Friday and before the start of the third ODI, both teams observed a minute’s silence to honour him. Apart from this homage, the players from both sides were seen wearing black armbands to show their respect to the deceased soul.

Garfield Sobers was arguably the best all-rounder to have played international cricket. He would have turned 90 years old on July 28. In 93 Tests during his illustrious career, Sobers scored 8032 runs at a staggering average of 57.78. This includes 30 fifties and 26 centuries. He had a highest score of 365*, which he smashed against Pakistan in 1958. With the ball, the iconic cricketer picked up 235 wickets at an average of 34.03.

Who will emerge victorious at Lord’s?

The series is intriguingly poised at 1-1. India registered a morale-boosting six-wicket win in the first ODI at Edgbaston. However, the Three Lions stormed back into the series with a four-wicket win at the Sophia Gardens.

On Sunday, Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bat first. They made just one change to the team that won the second ODI. Josh Tongue came into the side in place of Saqib Mahmood. On the other hand, India made three changes to the line-up, two of them being forced on them.

Washington Sundar had been ruled out of this encounter due to a hamstring injury. At the toss, skipper Shubman Gill informed that Jasprit Bumrah has sustained a knee injury, which keeps him out of the series decider. The other player who missed out was all-rounder Shivam Dube. This is the final match in what has been a dramatic tour for India. After losing the T20I series against Ireland and England, they would be desperate to emerge victorious in the ODI rubber.

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