Veteran Australian spinner Usman Khawaja wore a black armband during the New Year's Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, January 3. Usman Khawaja made this gesture to mark the personal tragedy of the death of his former colleague's wife, South Africa. Star: Ashwell Prince.
Melissa Prince died of cancer at the age of 40, leaving her husband and their three children to mourn. Khawaja formed a relationship with Ashwell Prince during their time playing together for Lancashire in England. Ashwell represented South Africa in 66 Tests and 52 away Tests between 2002 and 2011.
Ashwell Prince pays tribute to Melissa
On Thursday, Prince shared a touching tribute to his late wife on Instagram. Prince said it was difficult to watch her suffer in her final months. He wrote that Melissa's memory will remain in their hearts forever.
“It was extremely difficult to see you endure the same amount of pain you endured in the last few months of your life,” he wrote.
“But we chose to remember you the way we knew you. A jewel, a rare type who touched people's hearts in a special way wherever she went.”
“We miss you mom and can't believe you're gone. But you have a mark on all of our hearts that can never be erased. Happy New Year, my love. Rest in peace there, 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 a black armband during the fifth Test against India. In 2014, Khawaja was embroiled in controversy when he denied reports that he reported Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale for allegedly making a racist remark about Ashwell Prince during a match.
This gesture is not the first time Khawaja has stood out by wearing a black armband. In December, he faced accusations of using a black armband to make a statement about the war in Palestine during the first Test against Pakistan. He was reprimanded by the International Criminal Court for breaching clothing and equipment regulations.
Usman Khawaja is facing pressure after a disappointing series against India
Al Khawaja was under pressure after a lackluster series against India. He remains at the top of the list for Australia, especially as the team searches for a replacement for David Warner. Several players, including Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas, have opened for Khawaja this year.
The left-handed batsman struggled against Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Al Khawaja managed just 143 runs in nine innings at an average of 17.88. He was dismissed for just two runs off nine balls, as Bumrah took him out on the final delivery of the day in Sydney.
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