India vs Windies: The reason why the visitors are wearing black armbands in Rajkot

The first Test of the two-match series between India and Windies got underway today in Rajkot. The hosts won the toss and opted to bat first as Prithvi Shaw was handed a debut. Meanwhile, Windies were jolted with a severe blow as their skipper Jason Holder was injured ahead of the game and Kraigg Brathwaite took up the responsibility to lead the team. However, the visitors were also seen wearing black armbands on the field which left the spectators confused.

They are wearing the armbands as a mark of respect to their teammate Kemar Roach who is mourning the passing of his grandmother. The cricketer had to fly back to Barbados after reaching India before the warm-up game after he got the news. He was also expected to join the team before the series opener but the coach Stuart Law, on the eve of the match informed that he is still with his family in the bereavement.

The fast bowler will be back in India in the middle of the ongoing Test match and will surely walk back into the playing XI.

India start well in Rajkot

As far as the action in the middle is concerned, Team India has started well in the first innings despite losing KL Rahul with virtually nothing on the board. Shannon Gabriel got him in the very first over and the batsman also wasted a review. However, Prithvi Shaw is batting well and hasn’t shown any nerves on debut.

He has already unfurled his trademark shots and will be looking to carry on and play a big knock. India are currently 56/1 after 12 overs with Shaw and Cheteshwar Pujara adding an unbeaten stand of 53 runs in 67 deliveries. The former is on his way to notch up a half-century on debut as he is batting on 33 off 36 balls with five delightful boundaries.

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