Nottingham attacks: England and Australia cricket stars pay tribute to victims at The Ashes

June 16, 2023

The England and Australia cricket teams have paid tribute to the victims of the Nottingham attacks on the first day of The Ashes.

Players wore black armbands at Edgbaston cricket ground to honour Grace O'Malley-Kumar, Barnaby Webber and Ian Coates, who were stabbed to death in Tuesday's attacks.

A period of silence was observed across the ground.

Before the match, 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."

Suspect Valdo Calocane, 31, has been charged with the murder of the three people.

University of Nottingham students Ms O'Malley-Kumar and Mr Webber, both 19, were both talented young cricket players, with their former clubs paying tribute to them after their deaths.

Speaking at the Test match, Eoin Morgan, England's World Cup-winning captain from 2019, told Sky News: "It's a reminder that as big as The Ashes are, it's just a game of cricket. It can put these things in perspective to calm first day nerves.

"The purpose of sport is to bring people together and harmonise communities and I think it's a fine gesture by Ben Stokes and Pat Cummings on the Australian side.

"Sometimes on the big events you need that element of context and perspective to help you through the day."

A tribute will also take place during the women's Ashes Test match in Nottingham on 22 June.

Read more:
School caretaker Ian Coates was 'a selfless man' and 'brilliant bloke'

Nottingham attacks suspect is ex-university student, police say, as they get more time to question him

On Thursday, thousands gathered in Nottingham's Market Square to pay their respects as family members spoke about their lost loved ones.

In a poignant moment, Mr Webber's mother Emma said the killer was a "monstrous individual" but told the crowd: "He is just a person. Please hold no hate that relates to any colour, sex or religion."

Ms O'Malley-Kumar and Mr Webber were found dead in the street in Ilkeston Road just after 4am on Tuesday.

Mr Coates was found dead around two miles away in Magdala Road, after his van was allegedly stolen.

As well as the three people killed, one person was left in a critical condition in the attacks.

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