Ashes rivals unite in honour of Nottingham victims on opening day of series

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the mark of respect on the first day of the first Test at Edgbaston.

Rory Dollard
Thursday 15 June 2023 18:00 BST
Flowers on the steps of Nottingham Council House after three people were killed and another three hurt in connected attacks on Tuesday morning. Picture date: Thursday June 15, 2023.
Flowers on the steps of Nottingham Council House after three people were killed and another three hurt in connected attacks on Tuesday morning. Picture date: Thursday June 15, 2023. (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England and Australia will wear black armbands on day one of the LV= Insurance Ashes, following the deaths of three people in van and knife attacks in Nottingham.

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that the mark of respect would be made following Tuesday’s shocking incident, which left students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber and school caretaker Ian Coates dead.

A moment’s silence will also be observed at Edgbaston before the scheduled start of play at 11am.

These events sadden the England cricket teams, and we are thinking about those affected at this harrowing time. As a gesture of respect, we will honour them by wearing black armbands

Ben Stokes

England captain Ben Stokes said: “The deeply distressing scenes witnessed in Nottingham this week have brought immense sorrow to everyone, particularly the cherished friends and families of the victims.

“It is impossible to express how much their lives and futures have been tragically disrupted.

“These events sadden the England cricket teams, and we are thinking about those affected at this harrowing time. As a gesture of respect, we will honour them by wearing black armbands.”

Stokes’ fellow England captain Heather Knight, who will kick off the women’s Ashes at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge on July 22, added her condolences.

“It was incredibly saddening to learn about the events that took place in Nottingham, and it felt a bit closer to home to learn that two of the victims had been cricket players,” she said.

“All of our thoughts are with the families and friends of everyone affected by the tragedy, and with the city of Nottingham.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in