Australia vs India 2018-19: Here is the Reason Why Both Teams Are Wearing Black Armbands

Australia and India are locking horns with each other in the ongoing fourth and final Test match. The Indian players are wearing a black armband as a mark of respect for Sachin Tendulkar’s childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar. The Dronacharya awardee took his last breath at the age of 87. Achrekar was instrumental in shaping the best batsman to have embraced the game and played a huge role in guiding Tendulkar on the right path.

On the other hand, Australia is also wearing a black armband as a token of respect. The hosts are wearing the band in the memory of former Australia and New South Wales batsman Billy Watson. The former Australian batter died recently at the age of 87.

Players show their respect.

Meanwhile, Australia had an ideal start when their deputy Josh Hazlewood scalped the wicket of KL Rahul. Hazlewood produced the outside edge of Rahul’s bat which was sharply taken by Shaun Marsh at first slip.

Rahul poked at the good length delivery and continued his poor form going. In fact, Rahul looked uncertain in his shot making and once again could not find his Midas Touch. Thus, Hazlewood had a wicket to his name on the third ball of his first over.

On the other hand, Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first. Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara are looking good and would aim to get a big score under their belt.

Agarwal who impressed in his maiden appearance has played some delightful shots in his knock of unbeaten 29. Pujara is once again solid in his defence and is batting on 13 runs.

Agarwal had ticked the right boxes on his debut as the greenhorn batsman scored 76 and 42 in the first two innings of his career.

Australia are wearing black armbands today in memory of former AUS and NSW batsman Bill Watson who passed away recently aged 87. pic.twitter.com/BxKE5DG2ZM

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 2, 2019

India are wearing black armbands today as a mark of respect to the passing of Ramakant Achrekar – the childhood coach of Sachin Tendulkar pic.twitter.com/cy0ktq3jd1

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 2, 2019