[WATCH]- Players Honour Ahmedabad Crash Victims Before Day 3 Of WTC Final

Australian and South African players wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence before the start of Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final to honour the victims of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12.

A video shared by the ICC captured the players standing in solemn silence as a mark of respect. The Air India flight 171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The aircraft collided with the hostel block of B.J. Medical College, resulting in at least 269 fatalities, including 241 passengers. Only one person is reported to have survived. Among those who lost their lives was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

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Several current and former Indian cricketers, including Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Dodda Ganesh, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Ambati Rayudu, took to social media to share heartfelt messages and express their sorrow over the tragedy.

Australia Start Day Three Of WTC Final With 218-Run Lead

Shifting focus to the match, Australia began Day 3 of the intense WTC final at Lord’s with a strong 218-run advantage. The first two days saw frequent wicket falls, with South Africa choosing to bowl first in overcast conditions.

Kagiso Rabada led South Africa’s attack on Day 1, claiming five wickets as Australia were bowled out for 212 in under 60 overs. Only Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) managed to cross the fifty mark, while the rest of the batting lineup struggled. In response, Australia’s bowlers struck back, leaving South Africa reeling at 43/4 by stumps on the opening day.

On Day 2, Australia could only manage one wicket in the first session, but they bounced back strongly, bundling out the Proteas for 138. Pat Cummins led the charge with a six-wicket haul. The Aussies, who are the reigning WTC champions after defeating India in the 2023 final at The Oval, are well positioned as the match progresses.

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