Proteas players confirmed on Wednesday that will not take a knee during their six-match limited overs series against England amid criticism of the decision.
PREVIEW | SA V ENGLAND 1ST T20, PITCH REPORT AND WHERE TO WATCH
The first T20 international is in Cape Town on Friday as South Africa return to international cricket after a seven-month coronavirus-induced shutdown.
Some South Africans believe the Proteas squad should show public support for the Black Lives Matter movement by taking a knee before each match.
The players say discussions are taking place privately and will continue for some time.
“The Proteas team has engaged with honesty, empathy and vulnerability in exploring together what anti-racism work looks like and why this work matters so profoundly in this cultural moment,” their statement said.
“We have unanimously chosen not to take the knee at the upcoming matches, but to continue to work together in our personal, team and public spaces to dismantle racism.
“This decision was taken by the team collectively, after deep dialogue and attentive consideration. This is not a decision compelled on us by either our management or coaches.”
England have also confirmed they will not take a knee before the T20 and one-day internationals.
Both sides will however wear black armbands in a stance against gender-based violence and in support of all those impacted by coronavirus.
SQUADS:
Proteas
Quinton de Kock (captain), Temba Bavuma, Junior Dala, Faf du Plessis, Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla , Jon-Jon Smuts, Glenton Stuurman, Pite van Biljon, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne
England
Eoin Morgan (captain), Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
PROTEAS V ENGLAND T20 AND ODI FIXTURES:
Friday, November 27: 1st T20I South Africa v England, Newlands – 18:00
Sunday, November 29: 2nd T20I South Africa v England, Boland Park, Paarl – 14:30
Tuesday, December 1: 3rd T20I South Africa v England, Newlands – 18:00
Friday, December 4: 1st ODI South Africa v England, Newlands – 13:00
Sunday, December 6: 2nd ODI South Africa v England, Boland Park, Paarl – 10:00
Wednesday, December 9: 3rd ODI South Africa v England, Newlands – 13:00
