File photo of Quinton de Kock.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma on Tuesday said receiving instructions to kneel hours before the start of the T20 World Cup match against West Indies was “not ideal” and promised to stick with it as well. quinton de kock, who opted to withdraw from the game instead of obeying the order.
A former captain in all three formats of the game, de Kock refused to participate in a gesture supporting the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement moments before the toss.
“Quinton is an adult. He is a man in his shoes. We respect his decision. We respect his commitment,” Bavuma, South Africa’s first black cricket captain, told the media after defeating the defending champions by eight. We do.” Wicket.
Extending full support to the wicketkeeper-batsman, the captain said, “As far as we stand, Quinton is still one of the players. He is still one of the boys, so whatever support he needs, which Even if he needs a shoulder from his teammates, we will be there for him.”
“If there is a need to have further talks, I am sure they will certainly be between the people.”
Cricket South Africa on Monday evening unanimously agreed to issue a directive requiring the Proteas to take a consistent and united stand against racism by taking a knee before the start of their remaining World Cup matches.
Describing the schedule of the event, Bavuma said that instructions came from the board this morning and a meeting was called between some team members, after which the players were sent to travel to Dubai.
“I think the trip was about one and a half to two hours. I think that’s where Quinton made his decision. We found out – when we went to the changing room I got to know as the captain.”
Bavuma said it was not ideal to receive instructions just before the match, but admitted that there was never going to be an ideal time.
“It was definitely not ideal. But I think in any case, we have to deal with it as players, whether the instruction comes this morning, whether it comes last night. I think we have to deal with it. Players. , “They said. “Obviously as a team we are shocked and shocked by this news. Quinton is a big player for the team, not just with the bat.
“But the role he plays from a senior point of view and from an experience standpoint, and not having at my disposal as a captain, was clearly something I wasn’t expecting.”
The star wicketkeeper-batsman had made it clear earlier as well that the gesture should be a personal choice. They have mostly opted to stand with their hands bent behind their backs, whereas in the past various gestures were adopted.
Asked whether he would seek a replacement if de Kock continues the stand of no knee, Bavuma said: “I don’t know how far this is going to develop.”
“I mean, the decision he has taken is only today, so I can only speak about today. It will not be my decision whether to replace Quinton or take an option. He will be the coach and selector. Call.”
Despite this setback, South Africa registered their first Super 12 win. He restricted the defending champions to 143/8 and again rode on a solid batting performance eden markram and Rossi van der Dussen at canter home with 10 balls to spare.
“I think we have to focus on the team as much as we can, especially regarding matters on the field. I think we will lose a lot of energy as players if we start giving 100 percent to everything. If you give, I guess, the team is being discussed outside.
“At the end of the day I think you guys are going to judge us by how well we bowl and how well we hit the ball. That’s what you’re going to judge us by at the end of the day, ” They said. concluded.
South Africa will next face Sri Lanka on Saturday.
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