Australia’s veteran opener Usman Khawaja wore the black armband during the New Year Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3. Usman Khawaja made this gesture to mark the personal tragedy of his former teammate’s wife, the South African. star Ashwell Prince.
Melissa Prince died of cancer at the age of 40, leaving her husband and three sons heartbroken. Khawaja formed a bond with Ashwell Prince during their time playing together for Lancashire in England. Ashwell represented South Africa in 66 Tests and 52 ODIs between 2002 and 2011.
Ashwell Prince Gives Heartbreaking Tribute to Melissa
On Thursday, Prince shared a poignant tribute to his late wife on Instagram. The prince said that it was difficult to watch him suffer in the last months. He wrote that the memory of Melissa will remain in their hearts forever.
“It has been extremely difficult to see you endure the pain you have endured in the last few months of your life,” she wrote.
“But we chose to remember you as we knew you. One of those rare species that touches people’s hearts in a special way no matter where you go.”
“We miss you mom and can’t believe you’re gone. But you left a mark on our hearts that will never be erased. Happy New Year my love. Rest in peace, your boys will always love you. !”
Usman Khawaja was the only Australian to wear a Black armband in the Fifth Test
Usman Khawaja was the only Australian to wear the black armband during the fifth Test against India. In 2014, Khawaja was embroiled in controversy when he denied reports that he had reported Yorkshire captain Andrew Gayle for making racist remarks about Ashwell Prince during a match.
This gesture is not the first time that Khawaja has been chosen by wearing a black armband. In December, he was accused of using a black armband to make a statement about the war in Palestine during the first Test against Pakistan. The ICC reprimanded him for violating the Dress and Equipment Rules.
Usman Khawaja Faces Pressure After Disappointing Series Against India
Khawaja has been under pressure since the series failure against India. He remained at the top of the order for Australia, especially as the team searched for David Warner’s replacement. Several players have opened with Khawaja this year, including Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas.
The left-handed batsman took on Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Khawaja managed a total of 143 runs in nine innings at an average of 17.88. He was dismissed for just two runs off nine balls, with Bumrah removing him for the final out of the day in Sydney.
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