Why are Indian players wearing black armbands on day two of MCG Test?

The Indian cricket team are sporting black armbands on day two of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in honour of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night.

“With profound grief, we inform the demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26th December 2024,” All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi said in a statement. 

“Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM.”

Debutant Sam Konstas rattled India early on day one of the penultimate Test with an entertaining 65-ball 60 but Jasprit Bumrah picked up three quick wickets to help India end the day on an even note. Australia were 311/6 when the stumps were drawn on day one.