Ashes 2021-22: Here's why Australian players are sporting black arm bands on Day 2 of the Adelaide Test

Australian players were spotted sporting black armbands during Day 2 of the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval. They did it as a mark of respect for the unfortunate jumping castle tragedy, which happened on Thursday (December 16). As many as five children died after falling about 10 metres from a jumping castle that was blown into the air in north-west Tasmania.

Several children also sustained fatal injuries in the accident and are admitted in the hospital.  The children, who were 5-6 years of age, were meant to be celebrating their last day of the primary school. However, the blowing of the jumping castle meant five children lost their lives and other sustained critical injuries. Notably, it’s still unclear how many children were in the castle, when it was blown.

As a mark of respect for the lost lives, Australian players sported black bands on their arms during Day 2 of the second Ashes Test. The same was confirmed by journalist Ingrid Harrison. “Poignant gesture of @cricketcomau Australia’s cricket team wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect for yesterday’s unspeakable tragedy in Devonport where five children lost their lives. #Tasmania thanks you. #Ashes,” she tweeted.

Poignant gesture of @cricketcomau Australia's cricket team wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect for yesterday’s unspeakable tragedy in Devonport where five children lost their lives. #Tasmania thanks you. #Ashes

— Ingrid Harrison (@IngridHarrison) December 17, 2021

Pat Cummins not participating in the second Ashes Test

Meanwhile, Australia, who open the opening Test by nine wickets in Brisbane, are without the services of their skipper Pat Cummins, who got ruled out after being found in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. Steve Smith was given the captain’s role in his absence. The coin landed in Australia’s favour and Smith didn’t have any hesitation in batting first.

The hosts didn’t get off to a good start as opener Marcus Harris got out for three. However, David Warner joined forces with Marnus Labuschagne and the duo added 171 runs for the second wicket to push the visitors on the backfoot. While Warner got out on 95, Labuschagne reached the three-figure mark before falling prey to Ollie Robinson.

The hosts are in better position, having crossed 300 runs with five wickets in hand. Hence, the visitors need to take the remaining wickets soon to make a comeback in the game.