Ashes 2021 LIVE: Ben Stokes- England allrounder Ben Stokes was seen wearing a black armband with number 56 in the Ashes opener. The gesture was a tribute to late father Ged on his death anniversary. The black armband was dedicated to him as he returned to cricket after 4 months in the Ashes opener. Follow Ashes 2021 live updates on InsideSport
Ashes 2021 LIVE: Why Ben Stokes wore a 56 number black armband in Ashes opener- check out
Ben Stokes came to the crease with a black armband with the number ‘56’ which was his father’s cap number for New Zealand’s Rugby league team in 1982. Ged had passed away in December 2020 after a battle with brain cancer. He made just a lone international appearance for Kiwis in his career.
‘I wasn’t sure if I would ever walk out onto a field ever again a few months ago. ‘I find it amazing that when I do walk out (on Wednesday) I’ll be remembering you exactly 1 year on since you left us. You are gonna be with me this whole week,’ Ben Stokes wrote on Instagram in a post dedicated to his father.
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Meanwhile, England players armbands to mark the death of the oldest cricketer Eileen Ash who died at the age of 110. The latter represented England in seven Tests for England in the 1930s. Unfortunately, Day 1 ended as a nightmare for the visitors as England got bowled out for just 147 runs at the Gabba.
Ben Stokes, in particular, could make just 5 runs on his return. Now, Joe Root & Co need to wrap up Australia quickly to help England fight back. They are yet to win a Test in Australia in the last 10 matches- 1 drawn.
Ashes 2021 LIVE: Why Ben Stokes wore a 56 number black armband in Ashes opener- check out
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