Players pay respect to Ahmedabad crash victims ahead of Day 3 of SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final [Watch]
Australian and South African cricketers were seen wearing black armbands and they observed a minute's silence ahead of day three of the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the Ahmedabad plane crash victims that occurred on Thursday, June 12. In a video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC), players were seen standing still to pay their respect for those who lost their lives.
The ill-fated aircraft Air India 171 had taken off from Ahmedabad to land in London, crashed five minutes after it ascended from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. With the aircraft crashing into the hostel block of the B.J. Medical College, at least 269 reportedly people died, with 241 inside the plane. Only one passenger survived the crash. Among the victims was also former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Watch the video below:
Former and present Indian cricketers such as Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Dodda Ganesh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Ambati Rayudu, and many others posted messages on social media expressing their grief.
Australia begin day three of the WTC final with 218 runs ahead
On the cricketing side of things, Australia begin day three of the high-octane WTC final at the Lord's Cricket Ground with a handy 218-run lead. Wickets tumbled massively on both days of the final, with the Proteas opting to bowl first amid overcast conditions at the venue.
South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada took a fifer on the opening day to knock off the Baggy Greens for 212 inside 60 overs. Only Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) went past fifties as Australia's batters largely struggled. Nevertheless, Pat Cummins and co. also hit back by reducing the Proteas to 43/4 late on day one.
Australia returned on day two but managed to pick up only one wicket on the opening session. Although South Africa were 121-5 at lunch, they lost their last five wickets only for 17 runs as Cummins picked up a six-for. Australia are also the defending champions, having won the WTC mace in 2023 by beating India at The Oval.