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 Ashes 2023 | Why is Joe Root Donning a Black Armband? The Moving Story Behind Yorkshire Born Cricketer's Gesture

image-lkqx1q1zJoe Root was spotted wearing a black armband (Twitter)

A sombre and touching moment marked the commencement of Day 5 of the fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test at the Kennington Oval. Former England captain Joe Root was seen wearing a black armband, a gesture that sparked immediate inquiry among spectators and fans.

Why is Joe Root's wearing black armband?

Root's black armband was in honour of Richard Ibbotson, the late chair of Sheffield Collegiate CC and an influential figure in Sheffield cricket. Ibbotson's unexpected passing led Root to pay tribute to a man with whom he shared a deep Yorkshire connection.

Root's boyhood club, Sheffield Collegiate CC has been a breeding ground for cricketing talent, producing icons like former England captain Michael Vaughan and ICC Elite Panel umpire Richard Kettleborough. Root's father, Matt, played alongside Vaughan for the second XI, embedding the club in the Root family's cricketing legacy.

Ibbotson's impact on Sheffield Collegiate extended far beyond his role as a player. His administrative acumen and dedicated leadership saw the club through the challenging Covid-19 pandemic, including securing a Sport England grant to ensure financial stability.

Meanwhile, coming to cricketing action on the field on Day 5, the play got off to a rather dramatic start. England pacers, particularly Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, wreaked havoc on Australia's top-order reducing them from 140/0 to 169/3.

However, a fighting 69-run partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head steadied Australia's innings, leaving them at 238/3 at Lunch on the last day of this closely-fought Test series.

With the match finely poised, the second session holds immense significance as both teams are still in the game. England's bowlers will be keen to make further breakthroughs, while Australia will strive to continue building towards their target.