The atmosphere at the Women’s World Cup semifinal between Australia and India in Navi Mumbai carried a solemn undertone, despite the high stakes. As Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, both teams took to the field wearing black armbands, a poignant tribute to Ben Austin.
Image: India vs Australia (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Ben Austin, a promising 17-year-old, tragically died on Thursday after being struck by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne. His untimely passing sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, prompting this powerful display of solidarity. The black armbands symbolized the deep unity and empathy shared between the two cricketing nations, extending far beyond the competitive spirit of the match.
Australian captain Alyssa Healy, back from injury to lead her side, remarked on the conditions: “We are going to bat. Great conditions here and an opportunity for us to put runs on the board. I am grateful for the opportunity to get that 10-day break for the rehab. It is a semi-final and it’s basically whoever plays better will get the result. Just one other change. Sophie Molineux comes in for Wareham.”
India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also shared her team’s strategy and determination. “We were looking to bat first; if we get an early breakthrough that would be great for us. We know this pitch, we had so many camps here and also played our last two games here. Whenever we play Australia, we talk about going with a fearless mindset. Unfortunately, Pratika is not there because of her injury. Shafali comes in for her. Richa and Kranti are back for Uma and Harleen,” Kaur stated.
While the thrilling semifinal clash between these two cricketing powerhouses commanded attention, the black armbands served as a stark and moving reminder that the true spirit of the game encompasses far more than boundaries and scoreboards. Both teams, united in their grief, were determined to honor Ben Austin with a performance worthy of his passion for the sport.
India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Australia Women (Playing XI): Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy (wicket-keeper/captain), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schut.