Reason why South African cricketers sported black armbands will make you respect them more

South Africa are currently involved in the ongoing second Test match against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The hosts have won the toss and opted to bat first much like the series opener. The visitors, however, strode out to the middle by wearing black armbands which left many baffled. Tabraiz Shamsi’s father passed away recently, and they’ve worn armbands in his memory and have shown support to their teammate.

Soon after the first Test match, Shamsi had to fly back home due to personal reasons. But he joined the team a couple of days before the final Test match and made himself available for the same. He wasn’t included in the playing XI for the game though as South Africa opted for extra pace and went for Lungi Ngidi.

However, it has been since confirmed that the reason Shamsi flew back home last week was that his father had died. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the news on their official Twitter handle just before the start of the second Test in Colombo.

Sri Lanka start strong

After opting to bat first, the hosts have begun well with their openers denying a wicket to the opposition. The in-form Dimuth Karunaratne and Danushka Gunathilaka have looked in no problems whatsoever on a dry pitch and it seems that Sri Lanka are on their way to post a daunting total in the first innings. They were 93/0 after 28 overs until lunch and the visitors will be keen to make a comeback in the second session.

They have already lost the first Test by 278 runs and were guilty of not faring well against the spinners. This game will be no different as the pitch will only deteriorate from here and they should try and restrict Sri Lanka to the lowest possible score.

The team are wearing black armbands today in memory of Tabraiz Shamsi’s father who passed away last week. #RIP🙏 pic.twitter.com/mLXqvF85cp

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 20, 2018

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