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Revealed: Why Australian players have worn black armbands in 1st T20I vs NZ

Debashis Sarangi

Australia players have worn black armbands [Source: @anuragdas_gupta/X]Australia players have worn black armbands [Source: @anuragdas_gupta/X]

In a significant development, Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first in the first T20I against New Zealand. Interestingly, the Australian players were spotted wearing black armbands in the series opener at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. 

Why have Australian players worn black armbands vs NZ?

At toss, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh revealed that the visitors would bowl first in order to capitalise on the playing conditions. Meanwhile, the Australian players had black bands wrapped around their arms, making fans curious to know the reason. 

It's worth mentioning that one of Australia's core players, Alex Carey, lost his father, Gordon Carey, to leukaemia (blood cancer) last week. The Australian players are mourning his tragic death, wearing black armbands in his honour in the first T20I against New Zealand. 

For the unversed, Alex Carey's father Gordon lost his battle with blood cancer, passing away at the age of 78. The Australian wicketkeeper batter shared the unfortunate development with his fans and followers through a heartbreaking post where he wrote, "Rest in peace Dad, I love you". 

Alex Carey becomes a late addition to Australia's T20I squad vs NZ

Alex Carey was not initially a part of the Australian T20I squad for the New Zealand series. However, an unfortunate calf strain sidelined Josh Inglis, making room for Carey's comeback to the shortest format. 

Hailed for his batting exploits in Tests and ODIs, Carey hasn't been a prolific performer in the shortest format. In 39 T20Is, the southpaw has managed just 259 runs at a mediocre average of 11.8 and a strike rate of 111.2. 

Regarding the match, Australia have got a magnificent start, scalping three early Kiwi wickets inside the first four overs. As of writing, New Zealand were reeling at 31 for three in 4.2 overs, with Tim Robinson and Daryl Mitchell batting on 6* and 21*, respectively.