Australia v India: Why cricketers are wearing black arm bands at the SCG

Chris Danks

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Australia v India: Why cricketers are wearing black arm bands at the SCG image

Australia and India will both play day one of the fourth test wearing black armbands.

Australia will wear theirs in honour of former Australia and NSW batsman Bill Watson, who died recently aged 87.


India will wear theirs in honour of widely revered Indian coach Ramakant Achrekar.

The 87-year-old coach had many successful students at his academy, Kamat Memorial in Shivaji Park, but none more famous than Sachin Tendulkar.

Achrekar also taught Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, Ajit Agarkar and Ramesh Powar.

Tendulkar took to twitter on Thursday morning to pay tribute to 87-year-old coach, who passed away in his sleep on Wednesday evening, surrounded by family.

Cricket in heaven will be enriched with the presence of Achrekar Sir. Like many of his students, I learnt my ABCD of cricket under Sir’s guidance.

His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words. He built the foundation that I stand on.

Last month, I met Sir along with some of his students and spent some time together. We shared a laugh as we remembered the old times.

Achrekar Sir taught us the virtues of playing straight and living straight. Thank you for making us a part of your life and enriching us with your coaching manual.

Well played Sir and may you coach many more.

It was Achrekar who convinced Tendulkar that his career lay with the blade and not with fast bowling.

Australia also wore black arm bands for the Adelaide test, a commemoration of the life of Colin Guest.


 

Chris Danks

Chris Danks Photo

After a failed athletic career in a far-flung land where delusions of former grandeur are hard to verify, Chris found a home as Sporting News Australia's Chief Editor, delivering fans original news and context beyond the box score.