16 June 2023 , 09:04
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England's cricketers will pay tribute to the victims of the Nottingham attacks during the first Ashes Test match against Australia at Edgbaston.
Ben Stokes' side get the historic series underway on Friday morning in Birmingham, just three days after the shocking attacks in Nottingham which left three people dead. Students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar and school caretaker Ian Coates were fatally stabbed in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Barnaby and Grace were students at Nottingham University and both keen cricketers. England's men's team will wear black armbands during the day's play at Edgbaston, which will be preceded by a minutes' silence.
Meanwhile, England's main supporter group have announced that they will be encouraging the crowd to sign Amazing Grace in the 53rd over of the game as a tribute.
A statement on the Barmy Army's Twitter account read: "In light of the tragic incident in Nottingham this week, we wanted to commemorate Barnaby and Grace who both played cricket.
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"So please join us in the 53rd over (Barnaby’s playing number) for a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ as requested by their team mates."
England's women's side, who are also playing Australia in the Ashes, will wear black armbands when they play a one-off test in Nottingham from June 22-26.
Barnaby Webber (PA)
Grace O'Malley-Kumar"The deeply distressing scenes witnessed in Nottingham this week have brought immense sorrow to everyone, particularly the cherished friends and families of the victims," England captain Stokes said.
"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."
England women's captain Heather Knight added: "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."