The third day of the World Test Championship Final (WTC 2025) between Australia and South Africa at the iconic.
Lord’s Cricket Ground began with both teams observing a minute’s silence and wearing black armbands to honour the victims of the devastating crash of an Air India London-bound flight from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, June 12.
On Thursday afternoon, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 persons, 230 passengers, and 12 crew members crashed barely 33 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport. The aeroplane collided with the dormitories at BJ Medical College, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in modern history. The official death toll was at least 260, as the crash killed not only those on board but also students and staff from the medical college.
Meanwhile, as the players entered the pitch on Day 3 of the final, there was a moment of silence as they stood still, removed their caps and helmets and joined spectators in a minute of silence in memory of the victims while wearing black armbands.
One man, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, an Indian-origin British national, amazingly escaped and has since related his terrifying tale. The incident has sparked worldwide mourning, with condolences from cricketers, political leaders, and residents throughout the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and performed a review. The Indian government is considering halting the Boeing 787-8 fleet pending investigations.
Day 3 of WTC 2025 Final is evenly poised
Coming to the game, Australia were in the game after skipper Pat Cummins’ spell of 6/28 that dismantled South Africa for just 138 in the first innings, giving the defending champions a 74-run lead. However, the Proteas bounced back solidly as Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi together wreaked havoc, reducing them to 144/8 by stumps on Day 2. The side made an impressive start on Day 3 as they got rid of Nathan Lyon early, leaving Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood the last pair.
