England players are sporting black armbands in T20 WC Final vs Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The black armbands are a tribute to David English who passed away on Saturday at an age of 76 due to a heart attack.
Team England pays tribute to the ‘Godfather of England Cricket’
David English is widely known as ‘ ‘Godfather of England Cricket. ‘ David English was a renowned charity fundraiser and had played a key role in shaping up careers of more than 125 international cricketers. David established the Bunbury Festival, the U15 competition, through which he produced he produced more than 1000 first-class cricketers in a span of more than 30 years.
As the English team got the news of David’s passing away, English skipper Jos Buttler tweeted, “So sad to hear the news of David English passing away. One of life’s great characters, so fun to spend time with, and producer of some of the best English cricketers through his wonderful Bunbury Festivals. RIP.” He shared a picture of him along with the ‘Godfather of England Cricket’.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) too took to Twitter and wrote, “The ECB is saddened to learn of the loss of David English CBE. He did so much for the game, and for charity, and he played a part in the rise of many England Men’s cricketers. Our thoughts at this time are with his friends and family.”
The ECB is saddened to learn of the loss of David English CBE.
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) November 12, 2022
He did so much for the game, and for charity, and he played a part in the rise of many England Men’s cricketers.
Our thoughts at this time are with his friends and family. https://t.co/oD8drUvjPJ
Jos Buttler looked emotional as he led the team for the national anthem for the T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Jos Buttler, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes are amongst the many young players who have benefitted from David English’s Bunbury schools festivals. Hence, the English side came out wearing black armbands and paid tribute to the great man.
David English’s contribution has been vital for the current England cricket team as 10 members of the 2019 World Cup-winning England team had played in the Bunbury Cricket Club schools festivals competition when they were trying to make their names in sport. The same bunch of players are looking to lift one more ICC World Cup trophy as they take on Team Pakistan today.