India vs Australia 2019, 1st T20I, Vizag - Indian Team Wears Black Arm-Bands in Memory of Martyred Jawans

The bloody-memory of Pulwama attacks are fresh in everyone’s mind. On February 14th (Thursday), more than 42 CRPF jawans were martyred in a deadly terror attack in J&K. Meanwhile, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the spot, the India National Cricket Team wore black arm-bands. Further, both India and Australia along with everyone in the stadium observed a two-minute silence as well.

Jaish-eh-Mohammad claims responsibility

On past Thursday, a jeep carrying around 300 kgs of explosives banged into an Army convoy which resulted in an explosion. As a matter of fact, many Army personals got killed, and dozens of them got seriously injured too. Jaish-eh-Mohammad, an acclaimed terrorist group claimed responsibility of the same.

Meanwhile, in the wake of it, a few of the former cricketers and even the politicians urged the BCCI not to play Pakistan at the 2019 World Cup. Among them were Sourav Ganguly, Paresh Rawal, Harbhajan Singh and a few more.

On the other hand, there were stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev who shared a different thought. The trio had said instead of boycotting Pakistan, India should play them and beat them to ensure Pakistan doesn’t reach the semis.

Though the majority of them have gone with the BCCI’s comment, which said – we would abide by what the government will decide in the end.

Australia bowl first in Vizag

During the first T20I in Vizag, Australia skipper, Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bowl first. For the visitors, Peter Handscomb makes his T20I debut. In the other camp, Virat Kohli-led India made a few changes from the last game too. Besides, the young leg-spinner, Mayank Markande makes his international debut as well. Pacers, Umesh Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah also returned to the playing XI.