In a strategic move, Sri Lanka have won the toss and chose to bat first in the 2nd Test against New Zealand. This match follows their recent victory in the first Test held in Galle, where they triumphed by a margin of 63 runs.

Lineup changes for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have made two significant changes to their lineup for the second Test. Milan Rathnayake, an all-rounder, has been brought in to replace Lahiru Kumara, a fast bowler who has been an integral part of the bowling attack. Additionally, Nishan Peiris will take over from Ramesh Mendis, aiming to bolster the team’s performance.

Reason behind donning black armbands

On Day 1 of the match, the New Zealand players wore black armbands to pay tribute to Ian Taylor, who recently passed away. Taylor had a distinguished career in various roles within New Zealand Cricket (NZC), serving as a board director, manager of the Kiwi men’s team, and chair of Cricket Wellington. The Blackcaps expressed their condolences in a statement: “The Test team is wearing black armbands on Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Galle to honor the passing of former BLACKCAPS manager, NZC director & Cricket Wellington chair Ian Taylor #SLvNZ.” This gesture highlights the respect and grati??tude the cricket community holds for Taylor’s contributions.

The Test team is wearing black arm-bands on day 1 of the 2nd Test in Galle to honour the passing of former BLACKCAPS manager, NZC director & Cricket Wellington chair Ian Taylor #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/LX2wfyabTZ

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 26, 2024

Also READ: Josh Hazlewood picks an ??Indian? batter he finds tough to bowl to

Strong start for Sri Lanka in 2nd Test Against New Zealand

Meanwhile, Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal lead Sri Lanka’s innings as they opted to bat first. Sri Lanka have scored 82/1 wicket after 25 overs, with Karunaratne contributing 30 runs off 57 balls and Chandimal scoring 49 runs off 66 balls, featuring 9 fours. The duo has forged a strong partnership, accumulating 80 runs in 24 overs at a run rate of 3.34. New Zealand’s bowlers, Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner, have struggled to take wickets, with? Patel conceding 30 runs in 10 overs and Santner only 7 runs in 6 overs. The current run rate stands at 3.80, with 65 overs remaining in the innings. Sri Lanka maintains all three reviews, while New Zealand also have three reviews available.

Also READ: BGT 2??024-25: Dinesh Karthik drops a bold predictio??n for the India-Australia Test series

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

On Day 3 of the ongoing third Test match between India and England at Rajkot, spectators and viewers noticed something different as the Indian cricket team took to the field. The players were seen wearing black armbands, marking a poignant moment that stirred emotions among fans worldwide. This gesture??? held a profound significance, honoring the memory of a revered figure in Indian cricket history.

Paying tribute to former India skipper

The somber display of black armbands by the Indian players was a heartfelt tribute to the late Dattajirao Gaekwad. Gaekwad, a former India captain and the oldest living Test cricketer from the country, passed away recently, l?eaving behind a legacy etched in the annals of Indian cricket.

BCCI’s announcement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a formal announcement via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), informing fans and followers about Team India’s decision to honor Gaekwad’s memory. This gesture reflects the deep respect and admiration the cricketing fraternity holds for the contributions of stalwarts like Gaekwad.

#TeamIndia will be wearing black arm bands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently.#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 17, 2024

A glimpse into illustrious career

Gaekwad’s journey in cricket was marked by several notable milestones and achievements. As a former Test captain, he led the Indian team during the historic tour of England in 1959, showcasing his leadership skills and cricketing acumen on the international stage. Additionally, Gaekwad played a pivotal role in Baroda’s triumph in the Ranji Trophy, further solidifying his stature as a revered figure in Indian cricket.

Also READ: IND vs ENG – Stuart Broad, Michael Vaughan & others react on the controversial DRS dismissal of Ollie Pope

Ravichandran Ashwin’s absence

While the Indian team paid homage to Gaekwad’s memory, they also faced a significant setback with the absence of star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The leggie, who recently achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing 500 wickets in Test cricket, withdrew from the ongoing Test match due to a family medical emergency.

Ashwin’s landmark achievement

On a bittersweet note, Ashwin’s milestone of crossing 500 Test wickets served as a moment of pride for Indian cricket. Joining an elite group of bowlers, Ashwin etched his name in the record books, becoming the ninth bowler in Test history and the only Indian bowler after the legendary Anil Kumble to achieve this remarkable feat.

Also READ: Fastest to 500 Test wickets in terms of balls; Ravichand?ran Ashwin at No.?? 2

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In a touching display of solidarity and respect, the Australian squad competing in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was seen sporting black armbands during their ongoing match against the Netherlands at the Arun Jailey Stadium, Delhi.

The somber gesture caught the att?ention of the fans, prompting inquiries into the reason behind this poignant trib??ute.

Why Australian players are wearing black armbands?

It was soon revealed that the Australian players were donning the black armbands in respect of Fawad Ahmed and his family following their loss this week.

Australian cricketer Fawad recently announced the death of his four-month-old baby boy. The cri??cketer and? his wife welcomed a second child to their family in June this year; however, the baby boy had several health issues and was, therefore, admitted to a hospital in Melbourne to undergo the diagnosis.

On October 23, Fawad broke the heartbreaking news of his son’s demise.

“Till we meet again my little angel, Unfortunately after a long struggle my little man has lost the painful & tough fight, I believe you are in a better place, we will miss you so much., I hope no one ever goes through this pain, Request for Prayers,” tweeted the cricketer.

انااللہ وانا الیہ راجعو ن
Till we meet again my little angel 💔,
Unfortunately after a long struggle my little man has lost the painful & tough fight, I believe you are in a better place,we will miss you so much💔,
I hope no one ever goes through this pain,
Request for Prayers 🤲🏽 pic.twitter.com/cpAn29Wvnf

— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) October 23, 2023

The Australian squad’s decision to wear black armbands during the match was a poignant demonstration of their unity and support for their teammate during this difficult time.

Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Here’s why Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is not playing today’s game against Netherlands

As the match progressed, the players displayed resilience and determination, channeling their emotions into a spirited performance on the field, exemplifying? the strength and camaraderie that define the spirit of cricket. Amidst the competitive atmosphere of the World Cup, the touching tribute served as a poignant reminder of the deep bonds that unite the cricketing fraternity in times of both triumph and sorrow.

Australia’s playing for the match against Netherlands

Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnu??s Labuschag?ne, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

Cameron Green came in as like-to-like replacement for Marcus Stoinis.

Also READ: Harry Brook, Jos Buttler among 18 players to sign England Cricket’s first-ever multi-year contract

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Both Australia and New Zealand playing are wearing black armbands during the Sydney Test in honor of the fire and emergency? personnel who have been dealing with fires across the country over the last few weeks.

Three volunteer firefighters have been recently killed in Australia, while eight people are now confirmed dead following Tuesday’s fires on the New South Wales (NSW) coast.

Cricket Australia earlier released a statement confirming that both sets of players will wear black armbands, while the fans took part in a minute’s applause following the anthems.

It was also announced that the three-match ODI serie??s against New Zealand in March would raise funds for fire-impacted communities??.

“SCG Trust and Cricket Australia also announced the Gillette ODI Series in March will be dedicated to raising funds for the Australian Red Cross to support those affected by the bushfires,” CA confirmed.

“Signed playing shirts from the Domain Boxing Day Test will be auctioned online from (Thursday), with all proceeds also going to the Australian Red Cross.”

The ongoing Sydney Test is now in its 12th year of association with the McGrath Foundation, with day three again set to turn the SCG into a sea of pink for Jane Mc??Grath Day.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s hopes of salvaging something from a disappointing tour of Australia were rocked by illness ahead of the Sydney Test.

Captain Kane Williamson, batsman Henry Nicholls, and spinner Mitchell Santner were ruled out on Friday morning in devastating news for the visitors’ chances of securing a breakthrough win after losing in Perth and Melbourne.

While Colin de Grandhomme was able to dismiss Joe Burns early, Australia still reached lunch at 95-1, having already battled through? the tough?est batting conditions expected for the next few days of the Test.

The home side fought to 240/2 heading into the final hour of play. Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten on 110 while Steve Smith was batting on 63 at the other end.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.