India and England paid tribute to legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers before the start of the third and final ODI at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Sunday, July 19.
The match is the series decider, with both teams entering the contest level at 1-1. However, before the action began, players from both sides came together to honour one of cricket’s greatest legends.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away on Friday. Players from India and England also wore black armbands throughout the match as a mark of respect.
Sir Garfield Sobers is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. He would have celebrated his 90th birthday on July 28.
During his remarkable international career, Sobers played 93 Test matches for the West Indies. He scored 8,032 runs at an impressive average of 57.78, including 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. His highest Test score of 365* against Pakistan in 1958 remained a world record for many years. With the ball, he claimed 235 Test wickets at an average of 34.03.
India and England Battle for ODI Series Win
The three-match ODI series is evenly balanced after both teams won one game each. India started with a six-wicket victory at Edgbaston before England bounced back with a four-wicket win in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens.
England captain Harry Brook won the toss in the final match and chose to bat first. The hosts made one change to their playing XI, with Josh Tongue replacing Saqib Mahmood.
India made three changes to the side. Washington Sundar missed the match because of a hamstring injury. Captain Shubman Gill also confirmed at the toss that Jasprit Bumrah had suffered a knee injury and was unavailable for the series decider. Shivam Dube was the third player left out.
After losing the T20I series earlier on the tour, India will be eager to finish the England tour on a high by winning the ODI series at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
