ENGLAND are up against Australia in The Ashes this summer, and the first Test is already underway.

Ben Stokes and Co will be looking to win back the urn they lost in 2017 but the Aussies are aiming to retain on away soil.

Edgbaston is playing host to the first Test, and while both sets of players are donning their customary whites, they’re also wearing black armbands.

England and Australia‘s players agreed to the gesture earlier this week.

Why are England & Australia wearing black armbands?

England and Australia cricketers are wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to the three people who died in the Nottingham attacks.

Grace O’Malley Kumar, Barnaby Webber and Ian Coates were all stabbed to death in a horror attack in the early hours of Tuesday, June 13.

The city of Nottingham held a vigil for the three victims on Thursday in which thousands paid tribute.

England captain Ben Stokes spoke about the attacks on Thursday and confirmed every player would wear black armbands out of respect.

“The deeply distressing scenes witnessed in Nottingham this week have brought immense sorrow to everyone, particularly the cherished friends and families of the victims,” he said.

“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.”

The black armbands will not be worn for the second, third, fourth or fifth Test.