In a poignant tribute, Team India will don black armbands on the third day of the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot. This gesture, announced by the BCCI on Saturday (February 17), serves as a mark of respect for the late Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and the country’s oldest Test cricketer, who passed away on February 13 at the age of 95.
Gaekwad’s demise, attributed to age-related ailments, saddened the cricketing fraternity, with the BCCI expressing condolences and honouring his legacy with symbolic armbands. Dattajirao Gaekwad’s cricketing journey spanned from 1952 to 1961, during which he represented India in 11 Tests. Notably, he led the national team during the 1959 tour of England.
His contributions weren’t confined to the international arena; Gaekwad also left an indelible mark in domestic cricket, notably captaining Baroda to a Ranji Trophy title in the 1957-58 season. His first-class record boasts 5788 runs, including 17 centuries, with a remarkable highest score of 249.
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The BCCI’s media release succinctly captured the sentiment: “#TeamIndia will be wearing black arm bands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently.”
#TeamIndia will be wearing black arm bands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently.#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 17, 2024
Meanwhile, on the field, England mounted a robust reply to India’s imposing first-innings total of 445 in the ongoing Test. India’s recovery from a shaky start, propelled by centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, set the stage for a formidable score. Debutants Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel further fortified the innings with vital contributions.
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In response, England exhibited aggressive batting, amassing 207 for 2 in just 35 overs by the close of play on day two. Ben Duckett’s explosive fifty, crafted off a mere 39 balls, epitomized England’s dominance. Partnering with Zak Crawley, Duckett provided a formidable foundation before Ravichandran Ashwin’s breakthrough dismissed Crawley. Ollie Pope also made a significant contribution before falling to Mohammed Siraj for 39, leaving the game finely poised for further intrigue.
