SA vs AUS: Here’s why players of both sides are wearing black armbands in 1st Test

The players of both sides were seen wearing black armbands on the Day 1 of the first AUS vs SA Test Match, owing to a tragic event that shook Australia 5 days ago.

Notably, six killings took place in the Western Downs region of Queensland which is situated about 270 kilometers west of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland hosting the first test between the Kangaroos and the Proteas.

Four Police officers were sent to Wieambilla in response to a missing person report filed on December 4. Upon arrival, the unit was ambushed by three offenders (two male, one female) present beforehand at the property.

Two of the four police officers, Matthew Arnold (aged 29) and Rachel McCrow (aged 26) were shot dead in the altercation, along with a civilian from the concerned region. The players are wearing black armbands for the ongoing AUS vs SA Test to mourn the deaths of the departed souls.

Each of the three offenders responsible for killing the aforementioned people were shot down by the police about six hours later.

SA vs AUS 1st Test: Day 1 summarized

Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first at his side’s den, The Gabba and the bowling unit (skipper included) proved the decision right by bowling the South African unit out for just 152 runs. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were the demolishers in chief and accounted for 3 wickets each.

Kyle Verreynne (64 off 96) was the sole batsman to fire for the Proteas and stitched a 98-run partnership with Bavuma before following it up with smaller ones with the tail.

During his brief stay with Keshav Maharaj at the crease, the latter’s armband fell down his sleeve, and Marnus Labuschagne was seen adjusting the same with both parties smiling, easing down the tense test; the first between SA and AUS since the infamous Sandpapergate incident at Newlands.

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The hosts ended the day at 145 for 5, with Travis Head remaining unbeaten at 78 off 77 deliveries. The Kangaroos at 3 for 27 runs looked set for a low score as well, however, a 117-run-stand between Head and Smith (36 off 68) made sure they ended Day 1 with the upper hand.