Jota's sudden death in a car crash earlier this month has deeply affected the sporting community.
India pacer Mohammed Siraj honoured Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota with a unique celebration during the ongoing third Test against England.
Jota's sudden death in a car crash earlier this month has deeply affected the sporting community around the world, and Siraj offered a heartfelt tribute to the late soccer star on Day 2 at Lord’s.
Siraj celebrated by gesturing No. 20 with his fingers after claiming the wicket of English wicketkeeper, Jamie Smith.
The moment unfolded during the 107th over of England’s first innings. Siraj broke a crucial 84-run stand between Smith and Brydon Carse. Both of them scored half-centuries, helping the hosts to push their total up to 387 runs.
Diogo Jota lost his life after a car crash in Spain at the age of 28. His younger brother, 25-year-old Andre Silva, also died in the accident. The footballer died on July 3, just 10 days after his wedding.
Initial forensic reports suggested that Jota was likely speeding when he crashed his Lamborghini in northwestern Spain.
"The forensics team is analysing the marks left by one of the car's wheels on the asphalt that suggest a tyre burst and whether that and excessive speed caused the crash," police said in a statement quoted by Reuters. The final results will be submitted to the local court before being made public.
Last month, Jota helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League and was on summer break from football. He was due to return to Liverpool for pre-season training in the second week of July.