Fourth Test: Indian Squad Adorns Black Armbands to Commemorate Former PM Manmohan Singh, States BCCI
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Melbourne, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Indian squad is donning black armbands on the second day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as a gesture of respect in memory of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands to honor former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday," stated the BCCI on its X account on Friday morning.
Singh, who held the position of India’s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away in New Delhi on Thursday night after being admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) following a sudden loss of consciousness. His cremation will take place with full state honors on Friday.
An AIIMS bulletin indicated that Singh was being treated for age-related medical issues and experienced a sudden loss of consciousness at home. "Resuscitative measures were initiated immediately at home. He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared deceased at 9:51 PM," the bulletin reported.
Before his election as Prime Minister of India, Singh also held roles such as Chief Economic Advisor, Governor of the Reserve Bank, and head of the Planning Commission, prior to becoming the Finance Minister in 1991 and leading structural reforms that liberalized India's economy.
Regarding the match, India mounted a comeback by taking four wickets in the final session of day one, leaving Australia at 311/6 in 86 overs on Thursday. Australia’s top four batters scored fifties, with debutant opener Sam Konstas’ impressive 60 off 65 balls being the highlight. For the visitors, fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah excelled again with figures of 3-75.
Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68 not out) ensured Australia ended day one in a robust position, particularly in front of 87,242 fans. The achievement of having the top four batters score fifties for Australia at this iconic venue marked a first since the Rawalpindi Test during the 2022 tour of Pakistan.
