Australian captain Aaron Finch has confirmed that his team members will not be taking a knee, a gesture that has become popular with the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, which began with George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in the USA.
Since then, sporting teams across the world, especially with players of African heritage, have taken to bending on one knee as a mark of protest against police brutality and rampant racism against black people.
When international cricket returned to England with the West Indies visiting the UK, Jason Holder’s side, along with Joe Root’s England, took the knee before the start of the first Test of the three-match series.
Before the series commenced, the broadcasters Sky Sports made a heart-rendering video tribute showcasing the racial abuse experienced by people of African heritage and on the basis of skin color.
However, Aaron Finch was firm in his stand and even mentioned that he had talked with rival captain Eoin Morgan and will not partake in any gestures.
“I have spoken to Eoin, we are not going to do a specific gesture like has happened in the past. We are really proud to play a game where it is celebrated all around the world and anyone can play it, it doesn’t matter what race, religion, or nationality. Cricket is a game for everyone and I am really proud of that, but also the education is far more important than the protest,” Finch said.
The first T20I between England and Australia begins on September 4 in Southampton.
(Press Association inputs)
