South African skipper Temba Bavuma has expressed that the team were surprised with Quinton de Kock’s recent stance on the Black Lives Matter issue. Despite winning the game against West Indies convincingly, the Proteas had plenty of other news clouding over their performance.
De Kock was kept away from the playing XI after he decided to not take a knee during South Africa’s opening game against Australia, or show any gesture towards supporting the movement. He was spotted with his hands over hips, almost appearing ignorant in the eyes of the watching world, which did not go down well with the supporters.
Skipper Bavuma noted that it is his decision, to react or not react to the decision made. He also reiterated that the team respects his decision. He also revealed that he got to know about the wicket-keeper’s decision in the dressing room, and they did not have a lot of time to reflect on it.
“As a team, we are surprised and taken aback by the news. Quinton is a big player for the team, not just with the bat, but from a senior point of view, so not having this at my disposal, as a captain, is obviously something I wasn’t looking forward to. In saying that, Quinton is an adult.
He is a man in his own shoes. We respect his decision, we respect his convictions, and I know he will be standing behind the decision he has taken,”
Bavuma said after South Africa’s win over West Indies.
Cricket South Africa issued a directive just before the game against West Indies started. They mentioned that the side will maintain a more consistent stand and remain united in their fight against racism. In the games, all the Proteas players have been insisted to take a knee no matter what.
South Africa got off to a sombre start with a defeat against Australia, but they pulled things back brilliantly by defeating the defending champions. Aiden Markram starred with the bat for the men in green, who were chasing 144 runs for a win. His 26-ball half-century was backed up by Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks, who made sure they completed the chase with 10 balls to spare.
