Players from both Australia and England walked out wearing black armbands for the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, and fans immediately began asking why. The gesture is a mark of respect following the passing of former England cricketer Robin Smith, who died earlier this week at the age of 62.
Smith, one of the most fearless batters of his generation, was renowned for his courage against elite fast bowlers and for redefining England’s middle order during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His blistering square-cut became iconic, and his battles against the West Indies’ legendary pace attack earned him admiration across the cricketing world.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news of his passing, leading both teams to honour the beloved batter with black armbands during this pink-ball encounter in Brisbane.
The tribute comes as players and fans remember a cricketer celebrated not only for his numbers — 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43.67 — but also for his grit, resilience and unmatched bravery at the crease.
