Australian cricket team wear black armbands in memory of late Luke Batty

Australian players wear black armbands to pay their respect.

The Australian cricket players wore black armbands for their Test match against South Africa in memory of 11-year-old junior cricketer Luke Batty, who was murdered by his father after being beaten and stabbed at the end of a cricket training session.

“It’s obviously a tragic set of events and utterly devastating for the people of Tyabb, especially the Tyabb Cricket Club,” Australian coach Darren Lehmann spoke on behalf of his team before the start of play on day two of their Test match in South Africa.

“Like everyone in the cricket community, we were shocked by the news. We’re obviously a long way from home but wanted to show our support and care for those affected.”

“Our hearts go out to Luke’s family, in particular his mother Rosie, his mates and everyone at the Tyabb Cricket Club.”

A statement was released by Cricket Australia which read:

“Cricket Australia and the broader Australian cricket community extends its deepest sympathies to the family of Luke Batty, the Tyabb Cricket Club and the communities of the Mornington Peninsula. As a mark of respect to Luke, his family, friends, and the Tyabb club, the Australian team will wear black armbands today in its test match again South Africa.”

Batty, 11, was killed by his father Greg Batty in front of his mother and friends at the Tyabb Cricket Club in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.