England are again wearing black armbands, with former captain, coach and chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth passing away at the age of 89.
When the first Ashes Test of the 2021-22 series got underway at the Gabba in Brisbane, England were wearing black armbands for female cricket pioneer Eileen Ash, who was the oldest living Test cricketer and she remains the longest-lived international cricketer.
The visitors were again donning the black armbands on Boxing Day, after Illingworth passed away in the lead-up to the game.
England will be wearing black armbands in respect of former England (and Leicestershire and Yorkshire) captain, coach and selector Ray Illingworth.
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) December 25, 2021
As per George Dobell, England will be wearing black armbands in the Boxing Day Test in respect of former England, Leicestershire and Yorkshire all-rounder Ray Illingworth who sadly passed away today at the age of 89.
— The County Cricket Podcast (@TheCountyCrick2) December 25, 2021
Additionally, the first day of the Test fell on the first anniversary of the death of star all-rounder Ben Stokes' father, Gerard.
Gerard was an international rugby league player for New Zealand but Ben grew up in England while his father was coaching at the conclusion of his playing career.
The black armband Stokes was wearing featured the number 568 on it - his father was the 568th New Zealand rugby league international.
