New Zealand and West Indies will continue to support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement by taking the knee during the upcoming two-match Test series starting December 3 in Hamilton.
At the Test Trophy presentation ceremony, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has promised to “continue the awareness” about the BLM movement and support West Indies in the initiative to fighting racism during the home Test series, and their own Give Nothing To Racism campaign.
West Indies Test captain Jason Holder has appreciated the kind gesture of the hosts and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) by saying “it just shows the kind of individuals that New Zealand cricket has”.
The two teams took the knee before the three T20Is and now they would repeat the gesture to promote racial equity and social justice and even the West Indians players will also sport the BLM logo on the collars of their shirts in the first Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park.
Williamson said on the eve of the first Test on Thursday: “Jason and I caught up; [we are] looking to continue what was done during the T20s and try to continue that awareness around the BLM movement and also the Give Nothing To Racism campaign that New Zealand Cricket is right behind as well. So that will be continued on the first day of each Test match.”
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Meanwhile, Holder lauded New Zealand players for the support and was delighted with the way the hosts have been supporting them in the campaign against racial injustice.
He added, “It just shows the kind of individuals that New Zealand cricket has. Kane came openly to me and we sat down and had a really good chat around it. It was just mainly him hearing our side of it. Really happy with his support…and NZC have started a campaign too, which is really good.”
The all-rounder further stressed said: “Some of the guys shared their personal experiences and it was touching. Some people are so battered and bruised by it, they're scared to share. If we throw a little more awareness and support behind it, people will be more open to sharing.
The awareness needs to keep building and I stressed that to Kane. Us as individuals, we go around the world, we mingle with so many different people - you never quite understand what some people go through. The more education we put around it, the better off this world will be.”
He was also happy with the way the BLM movement had picked up momentum in the cricket world. Holder signed off by saying, “I think that's a step in the right direction. The more we become aware of what's in front of us as people; we would understand what certain people go through.”
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)
