India-Australia Players Wear Black Armbands During Women's World Cup 2025 Semi-Final. Here's Why

India vs Australia: Players from India and Australia are wearing black armbands during the Women's World Cup 2025 semi-final game at Navi Mumbai on Thursday. The players from both teams are wearing it in the memory of Ben Austin, the 17-year-old cricketer, who passed away recently after being hit by a ball in the nets. 

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The local cricketer died in Melbourne. The young cricketer's death has reminded fans of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes. It has shaken the cricketing world and hence it is heartwarming to see the gesture shown by the women cricketers of India and Australia in the semi-final game. 

‘Grateful for the opportunity’

“We are going to bat. Great conditions here and opportunity for us to put runs on the board. I am grateful for the opportunity to get that 10-day break for the rehab. It is a semi-final and it's basically whoever plays better will get the result. Just one other change. Sophie Molineux comes in for Wareham," Alyssa Healy said after winning the toss. 

At the time of filing the copy, Australia are 23 for no loss after 4.3 overs. Unfortunately, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has dropped a catch and that too of her opposite number. This could prove to be costly from an Indian point of view as she has been in good form. Healy is in the middle with Phoebe Litchfield. The Indian team would love to pick up a wicket here. 

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Ind-W vs Aus-W Playing XIs

India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, N Shree Charani, Renuka Singh.

Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt