Australia and India faced off in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
Australian opener Usman Khawaja drew attention on Day 1 after he was seen wearing a black armband, prompting fans to wonder about its significance.
Khawaja was the only player wearing the armband, which he donned as a tribute to the late Melissa Prince, the wife of former South African cricketer Ashwell Prince. Melissa, aged 40, tragically passed away on December 29 after battling cancer.
Khawaja shared a close bond with Ashwell Prince from their time together as teammates at Lancashire during the County Championship in England.
Prince paid an emotional tribute to his wife on Instagram, writing, “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. Rest in Peace up there, your boys will always love you!”
As for the match, India batted first but struggled against Australia’s formidable bowling attack, managing only 185 runs in their first innings. Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with 40 runs.
In response, Australia began their innings in the final session of Day 1. India’s skipper Jasprit Bumrah made an early breakthrough, dismissing Usman Khawaja for just two runs. Australia ended the day at 9/1, trailing by 176 runs.