Revealed: Why is Usman Khawaja wearing black armband in Sydney Test vs India?

Australia veteran opener Usman Khawaja wore a black armband during the New Year Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, January 3. Usman Khawaja made this gesture to mark the personal tragedy of the death of the wife of his former teammate, South African star Ashwell Prince.

Melissa Prince passed away from cancer at the age of 40, leaving her husband and their three sons heartbroken. Khawaja formed a connection with Ashwell Prince during their time playing together for Lancashire in England. Ashwell represented South Africa in 66 Tests and 52 ODIs between 2002 and 2011.

Ashwell Prince Pays Heartbreaking Tribute to Melissa

On Thursday, Prince shared a poignant tribute to his late wife on Instagram. Prince said that it was difficult watching her suffer in her final months. He wrote that Melissa’s memory will forever remain in their hearts.

"It was extremely difficult to have to see you endure as much pain as you did in the last few months of your life," he wrote.

"But we choose to remember you in the way that we knew you. A gem, one of the rare types who touched people's hearts in a special way wherever you went."

"We miss you mama and can hardly believe that you're gone. But you have mande an imprint in all of our hearts that can never be erased. Happy new year my love. Rest in Peace up there, your boys will always love you!"

Usman Khawaja Was the Only Australian to Wear a Black Armband in the Fifth Test

Usman Khawaja was the only Australian to wear a black armband during the fifth Test against India. In 2014, Khawaja was involved in a controversy when he denied reports that he had reported Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale for allegedly making a racist remark about Ashwell Prince during a match.

This gesture isn't the first time Khawaja has stood out by wearing a black armband. In December, he faced accusations of using a black armband to make a statement regarding the war in Palestine during the first Test vs Pakistan. The ICC reprimanded him for breaching its Clothing and Equipment Regulations.

Usman Khawaja Faces Pressure After Disappointing Series Against India

Khawaja has been under pressure after a lackluster series against India. He has remained at the top of the order for Australia, especially as the team searches for a replacement for David Warner. Several players, including Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, and Sam Konstas, have opened with Khawaja this year.

The left-handed batter has struggled against Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Khawaja has managed only 143 runs in nine innings at an average of 17.88. He was dismissed for just two runs off nine balls, with Bumrah getting him out on the final delivery of the day in Sydney.

Also read: Virat Kohli finalizes Test retirement date, but BCCI may drop him before that