Richard Ibbotson: Joe Root dons black armband in Ashes after death of beloved Sheffield Collegiate chairman

The England star is wearing a black armband on the last day of The Ashes as the cricketing world honours a beloved character.
Robert Cumber
By Robert Cumber
Published 31st Jul 2023, 14:09 BST
England's Joe Root pays tribute to Sheffield Collegiate chairman Richard Ibbotson, who sadly died suddenly over the weekend, by wearing a black armband during the fifth Test of The Ashes series against Australia at The Oval. Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesEngland's Joe Root pays tribute to Sheffield Collegiate chairman Richard Ibbotson, who sadly died suddenly over the weekend, by wearing a black armband during the fifth Test of The Ashes series against Australia at The Oval. Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
England's Joe Root pays tribute to Sheffield Collegiate chairman Richard Ibbotson, who sadly died suddenly over the weekend, by wearing a black armband during the fifth Test of The Ashes series against Australia at The Oval. Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

England's Joe Root has donned a black armband on the final day of The Ashes series in honour of a 'huge figure' in Sheffield cricket.

Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club chairman Richard Ibbotson sadly died suddenly in the early hours of Saturday morning. Richard was a hugely popular figure at the club, which has produced two former England captains and legends of the sport in Joe Root and Michael Vaughan.

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England's Joe Root pays tribute to Sheffield Collegiate chairman Richard Ibbotson, who sadly died suddenly over the weekend, by wearing a black armband during the fifth Test of The Ashes series against Australia at The Oval. Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesEngland's Joe Root pays tribute to Sheffield Collegiate chairman Richard Ibbotson, who sadly died suddenly over the weekend, by wearing a black armband during the fifth Test of The Ashes series against Australia at The Oval. Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
England's Joe Root pays tribute to Sheffield Collegiate chairman Richard Ibbotson, who sadly died suddenly over the weekend, by wearing a black armband during the fifth Test of The Ashes series against Australia at The Oval. Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Sheffield Cricket Lovers tweeted: "Sincere condolences to his family and @SheffieldColCC on the death of Richard Ibbotson. He was a huge figure over many many years and will be sadly missed around Abbeydale Sports Club."

George Dobell, senior correspondent at The Cricketer magazine, described Mr Ibbotson as 'someone who has a done a lot for Joe and his cricket club in Sheffield'. The Star's football writer, Danny Hall, also paid tribute to Mr Ibbotson and called Joe Root's on-field tribute in the fifth Test against Australia at The Oval 'another class mark of the man'.

Related topics:Joe RootEnglandMichael VaughanSheffieldThe AshesCricketYorkshireAustralia

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