ENG vs IND 2nd Test: Why India and England players are wearing black armbands on Day 1 of Edgbaston Test?

The second Test of the ongoing five-match series between India and England is being held at Edgbaston in Birmingham. On Day 1 of the match, both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect for former England cricketer Wayne Larkins, who passed away on June 28. Larkins, fondly known as “Ned,” had a respected international career, playing 13 Tests and 25 ODIs for England between 1979 and 1991. His contributions to English cricket were remembered by players and fans alike.

Wayne Larkins is best remembered for hitting the winning runs in England’s iconic victory over the West Indies at Sabina Park in 1990. He was also a standout performer in domestic cricket for Northamptonshire and later Durham. His passing left the cricketing world mourning the loss of a dedicated and talented sportsman. As a tribute, players from both India and England paid homage by donning black armbands, honoring his legacy on the first day of the Edgbaston Test.

See Also: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing today's ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test?

This is not the first instance of players wearing black armbands during the series. In the first Test at Headingley, which took place from June 20 to 24, players also observed similar tributes. On Day 1, they honored the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash, while on Day 3 and Day 5, they remembered former cricketers David Lawrence and Dilip Doshi, respectively. These gestures reflect the teams' deep respect for the cricketing community and those affected by tragedy.

Why #India And #England Players Are Wearing Black Armbands On Day 1 Of Edgbaston Test?#INDvsENG #IndianCricketTeam #EnglandCricket #TestCricket https://t.co/VV8piiRRB4

— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) July 2, 2025

Wayne Larkins’ record for England

Wayne Larkins represented England in 13 Test matches and 25 One-Day Internationals between 1979 and 1991. During his international career, he scored 493 runs in Tests and 591 runs in ODIs. Known for his aggressive batting style, Larkins was a dependable top-order batter who often provided solid starts. His contributions, though limited in appearances, were valued by the English side during a competitive era. He also enjoyed a successful domestic career, particularly with Northamptonshire and later with Durham.

Larkins made his international debut for England on June 20, 1979, in an ODI against New Zealand in Manchester. His final appearance came over a decade later, in an ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 10, 1991. Throughout his career, he was known for his fearless approach and ability to take on fast bowlers. Despite limited international opportunities, he left a mark with key performances and remained a popular figure in county cricket until his retirement.

England to bowl first after winning toss in ENG vs IND 2nd Test

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss on Wednesday, July 2, and chose to bowl first in the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against India at Edgbaston. England fielded the same playing XI that secured a five-wicket win in the first Test at Headingley. In contrast, the Indian team made three changes to their lineup. Jasprit Bumrah, B Sai Sudharsan, and Shardul Thakur were left out, with Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy named as their replacements.

Jasprit Bumrah, who starred as India’s best bowler in the series opener, has been rested for the Edgbaston Test as part of workload management. The team management confirmed that the pace spearhead is expected to return for the third Test, which will be held at Lord’s from July 10 to 14. The rotation is part of a strategy to manage player fitness across the grueling five-match series. With Bumrah sitting out, debutant Akash Deep gets a chance to showcase his talent, while Sundar and Reddy offer fresh options in both the batting and bowling departments.