In a moving display of solidarity, both the Indian and Australian women’s cricket teams donned black armbands during the Women’s World Cup semifinal held in Navi Mumbai. This tribute served to honor the memory of Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer who tragically passed away after being struck by a ball during a practice session in Melbourne on Thursday. The somber atmosphere at the stadium highlighted the deep connections that exist within the cricketing community, transcending the competition on the field.
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. Captain Alyssa Healy, making her return from injury, expressed confidence in her team and the playing conditions, stating, “We are going to bat. Great conditions here and opportunity for us to put runs on the board.” She acknowledged her fortunate recovery time, emphasizing the importance of performance in this critical semifinal matchup. Notably, Sophie Molineux was included in the lineup, replacing Wareham.
On the Indian side, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur underscored her team’s preparation and determination heading into the match. “We were looking to bat first, if we get an early breakthrough that would be great for us,” Kaur remarked. She also pointed out that the team had extensive familiarity with the pitch, having conducted numerous training camps and played their last two games there. With Pratika ruled out due to injury, Shafali Verma stepped in, alongside Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud returning to the side.
While the anticipation of a thrilling semifinal clash between these two cricketing giants builds among fans, the shared grief over Austin’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the love and respect for the sport that binds players and supporters alike. Both teams aim to deliver an inspiring performance in his honor, celebrating not just victory, but the spirit of cricket itself.