IND vs SA: Revealed: Why South African Players Are Wearing Black Armbands On Day 1 Of Centurion Test

South African players were seen sporting black armbands during Day 1 of the Centurion Test against India. The reason for the same has been revealed to be the demise of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who helped put an end to Apartheid in South Africa.

Tutu was a contemporary of South African legendary personality, Nelson Mandela. He was a crucial figure in the movement which ended the policy of racial segregation and discrimination that was put into force by the white minority government in Africa.

For his efforts, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1984. President Ramaphosa said Tutu was “an iconic spiritual leader, anti-apartheid activist and global human rights campaigner. A patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead.”

“A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity, and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world,” Ramaphosa added.

Virat Kohli opts to bat first against South Africa

Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat first under cloudy skies. The skipper hoped that his batsmen would put up a good score on the board and ensure that they can put their opponents under pressure right away.

“Runs on the board playing away from home has been our strength. The pitch tends to quicken up here on Day 2-3. Very challenging place to play. The prep has been wonderful. Quite lucky to get the center-wicket for practice,” Kohli said.

Team India playing XI for first Test:

Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Also Read – IND vs SA: I Would Not Play Ajinkya Rahane Even If You Have 6 Batters – Aakash Chopra