Revealed - Why India and England players are wearing black armbands during Day 1 of the first test at Headingley

India and England are crossing swords with each other in the first game of the five-match Test series. The game between the two teams is underway at Headingley in Leeds.

India and England, ahead of the match, came up with a heartwarming gesture. Both teams observed a minute of silence and are also wearing black armbands. This is because they are paying tribute to the people who lost their lives in the Ahmedabad plane crash.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released the official statement on the same, saying: "Both teams will wear black armbands today as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible events that took place in Ahmedabad last week." 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also came up with an official statement, saying: 

"The Indian Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash ahead of the start of play on Day 1 of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. 

"The teams are wearing the black armbands to express solidarity with those affected. The teams offer their deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who tragically lost their lives." 

Coming to the first test between India and England, the visitors have been asked to bat first. They are off to a decent start with the bat and would want to go and pile up a big score. 

India and England playing XI for the first test at Headingley 

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna 

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir