England and West Indies players took a knee for 30 seconds before the start of cricket’s resumption during the first test between the two sides. The knee was taken to show support to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.
The first test is being played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, with yesterday, the 8th of July being its first day. This also marks the return of cricket in a new-normal scenario, with a world reeling from the effects of a global pandemic in the form of coronavirus.
The West Indies players along with the 2 England openers led the gesture as players part of both sides took a knee after the toss that was delayed due to rain. The other members of the squad were spotted taking a knee from along the boundary line.
The two teams also observed a minute’s silence to mark the victims of the novel coronavirus pandemic and former West Indies batsman Everton Weekes, who died aged 95 last week.
Both England and West Indies players are sporting Black Lives Matter logo on their Test kits in Southampton. The BLM logo that is being used in the Premier League was designed by Alisha Hosannah, the partner of Watford football club captain Troy Deeney. The logo has been approved for use by the International Cricket Council and both the Cricket West Indies and England and Wales Cricket Board got permission to use the logo on their shirts.
The death of an African-American man, George Floyd in police custody in the United States triggered protests across the globe against racism. The Black Lives Matter movement has garnered a lot of support over the last few weeks and the sporting fraternity has backed the campaign with their on-field support.
“There is going to be a gesture shown from us as a team in support of Black Lives Matter towards the equality in society throughout cricket and throughout sport,” said Ben Stokes on the eve of the first test match. Stokes is stepping in as captain in place of Joe Root who has stepped aside for the match due to the birth of his newborn daughter.
“We aren’t in any way, shape or form showing support towards any political matters on the movement. We are all about the equality through society and sport.”
West Indies captain Holder had said last month: “”We did not take our decision lightly. We know what it is for people to make judgments because of the colour of our skin, so we know what it feels like, this goes beyond the boundary. There must be equality and there must be unity. Until we get that as people, we cannot stop.”
