AUS vs IND: Why Australia opener Usman Khawaja wore black armband in Sydney clash against India?

Hosts Australia and India locked horns in the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). Australia opener Usman Khawaja captured the headlines after he was spotted wearing a black armband on day 1 of the fifth Test of the series. 

It is worth noting that Khawaja was the only player seen wearing the black armband which urged the fans to ask the question why. It is worth noting that Khawaja wore the armband to mourn the tragic death of the wife of the former South African batter, Ashwell Prince.

Melissa Prince who was aged 40, was suffering from Cancer and passed away on Sunday, December 29. Notably, Usman Khawaja had a strong bond with Ashwell Prince from his time as a teammate during their County Championship stint with Lancashire, in England. 

“It was extremely difficult to have to see you endure as much pain as you did in the last few months of your life. But we choose to remember you in the way that we knew you. A gem, one of the rare types who touched people’s hearts in a special way wherever you went. We miss you mama and can hardly believe that you’re gone. But you have made an imprint in all of our hearts that can never be erased. HAPPY NEW YEAR my love. Rest in Peace up there, your boys will always love you!” Prince posted on Instagram.

Check out Ashwell Prince's heart-rendering post for his late wife here:

Jasprit Bumrah strikes early as day 1 ends

Speaking of the fifth Test between Australia and India, the clash began with India batting first, and thanks to Australia’s brilliant bowling attack, the visitors were limited to a score of 185 runs in the first innings. Rishabh Pant was the highest run-getter for India in the first innings with 40 runs to his name.

Also Watch- Bumrah engages in heated argument with Konstas in final over, stares him after picking wicket on day's last ball

Australia came out to bat in the latter stages of the first day, and India skipper Jasprit Bumrah struck one early, sending Usman Khawaja packing for just two runs in the first innings. Day 1 ended with Australia on a score of nine runs, losing one wicket in the process.