Explained: Why Indian team is wearing black armbands in Super 8 clash against Afghanistan?

During their Super Eight match against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday, the Indian team will adorn black armbands as a mark of respect for former India pacer, David Johnson, who tragically passed away earlier in the day in Bengaluru at the age of 52.

Also Read: Former India pacer David Johnson passes away at 52

Johnson, who operated a cricket academy, had been grappling with health challenges in recent months. According to a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official quoted by The Times of India, he tragically passed away following a fall from the balcony of his fourth-floor apartment. Johnson is survived by his wife and two children.

Team India will wear black armbands today in memory of former Indian fast bowler David Johnson, who passed away on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/dhFiwjnWSs

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2024

Johnson, a right-arm paceman during his playing days, featured in just a couple of Test matches for India and represented Karnataka in 72 domestic fixtures, showcasing career-best bowling figures of 8/55 and achieving a highest score of 101*. His bowling tally included a total of eight five-fors and a single ten-for, including a total of 166 domestic wickets.

His exploits in domestic cricket were laudable, notably his impressive performance of 10 for 152 against Kerala during the 1995-96 Ranji Trophy season, which served as a catalyst for his elevation to the Indian team. Johnson, known for his pace, recorded a delivery clocked at 157.8 km/h against Australia in 1996 during a one-off Test in Delhi, where he famously dismissed the formidable Michael Slater.

Also Read: Watch: Throwback to when David Johnson clocked 157.8 km/hr delivery against Australia in 1996

The right-arm paceman was also included in the tour of South Africa but featured solely in the inaugural Test, where he claimed the prized scalps of Herschelle Gibbs and Brian McMillan.