The ICC T20 World Cup final between England and Pakistan is taking place at Melbourne Cricket Stadium. England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and decided to field first. Because they were mourning David English’s passing, English cricketers entered the field wearing black arm bands on their sleeves.
Before the match, Jos Buttler, who will captain his team in the World Cup championship match against Pakistan, posted on Twitter: “It makes me very sorry to learn about David English’s passing. One of the great people in life who is a lot of fun to be around and who, via his amazing Bunbury Festivals, has produced some of the best English cricketers. RIP.”
In response to English’s passing, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) tweeted a statement. “The ECB is saddened to hear about David English CBE’s passing. He gave so much of himself to the sport and to charity, and he helped many England Men’s Cricketers succeed. His friends and family are in our thoughts right now.
David English, the legendary “Godfather of English Cricket,” who helped launch the careers of more than 1000 first-class cricketers, including more than 125 international players, through the Bunbury schools festival, passed away at the age of 76 after suffering a heart attack.
English, who was awarded a CBE in 2010 for his contributions to cricket and philanthropy, worked at Lord’s Stadium as well as played for Marleybone CC. However, it was his foundation of the Bunbury Cricket Club and his backing for the festival that cemented his status as a cultural legend.
