Ashes 2021-22: Reason why England players are wearing black armbands in the Boxing Day Test

On Saturday, December 25, former England cricketer Ray Illingworth passed away after a prolonged battle with esophageal cancer. The retired Ashes-winning English skipper breathed his last at the age of 89. In the very next day on Sunday, the England cricketers decided to pay homage to the great man, who represented the Brits in 61 Tests from 1958 to 1973.

The Three Lions’ cricketers wore black armbands during the first day’s play of the ongoing Ashes Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After being put in to bat first, the England batters were seen paying respect to Illingworth through their gesture.

Our thoughts are with Ray Illingworth’s  family, Yorkshire

Illingworth made his debut for Yorkshire way back in 1951 at the age of 19 and his professional career spanned 32 years. Thereafter, he spent a decade at Leicestershire from 1969 to 1978 to finally returning to Yorkshire in 1983.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that Ray Illingworth has passed away. Our thoughts are with Ray’s family and the wider Yorkshire family who held Ray so dear to their hearts,” Yorkshire County Cricket Club wrote on Twitter.

In 1970-71, he led England to a 2-0 win in the Ashes in a series that had seven Test matches. Illingworth also went on to play three ODIs. He played a stunning 787 first-class games, scoring over 24000 runs with 22 tons and 105 half-centuries.

Illingworth also took part in 218 List A matches, racking up 2380 runs with four half-centuries. He also picked up over 2200 wickets in his career.

“It’s always incredibly sad to lose a person who has given so much to the English game, and to the sport of cricket in general,” ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said.

“Ray was a superb cricketer, and his deep love, passion and knowledge for the game meant he continued to contribute long after his playing days had finished. We send our sympathy and warmest wishes to Ray’s friends and family at this difficult time,” he added.

As far as the ongoing Ashes is concerned, England are trailing 0-2 after losses in Brisbane and Adelaide. The Aussies have shown clear domination in the red-ball series.