Windies players to sport 'Black Lives Matter' logo on jerseys
West Indies players will be sporting a 'Black Lives Matter' logo on the collars of their jerseys in the upcoming Test series against England, starting July 8 at the Ageas Bowl. The International Cricket Council (ICC) gave a go-ahead to sport the logo. Reportedly, the particular logo has been designed by Alisha Hosannah, whose partner Troy Deeney is Premier League club Watford's captain.
A pivotal moment in cricket history: Jason Holder
"This is a pivotal moment in history for sports, and for the WI cricket team. We have come to England to retain the Wisden Trophy but we are very conscious of happenings around the world and the fight for justice and equality," said Jason Holder.
Holder vouches for equality and unity
Holder said equality must prevail in every walk of life. "We did not take our decision lightly. We know what it is for people to make judgments because of the colour of our skin, so we know what it feels like, this goes beyond the boundary. There must be equality and unity. Until we get that as people, we cannot stop," he concluded.
The wave of 'Black Lives Matter' movement in sports
The 'Black Lives Matter' movement has been on the rise, since the death of George Floyd, an African-American who died in US police custody. The sports community has shown its support for the movement through various gestures. Earlier, the Premier League saw several clubs sporting the 'Black Lives Matter' emblem on the jerseys, instead of the usual player names.
Players, staff and officials took a knee
The Premier League players took a knee as the season resumed on June 17. Prior to the kick-off, the players, match officials, and support staff showed their support to the movement as referee Michael Oliver blew the whistle. Everyone around the pitch knelt for nearly 10 seconds before the encounter between Sheffield United and Aston Villa began at Villa Park.
Key workers to be honored during the series
On another note, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Britain's key workers will be honored in the three-match Test series. The series has been named #raisethebat Test series to highlight the sacrifices made by doctors, teachers, carers, and other vital professionals amid coronavirus pandemic. England's players will sport the names of selected key workers with cricketing backgrounds on their training shirts.
The three-match series will begin on July 8
The three-match Test series between England and West Indies will mark the return of international cricket, after a three-month hiatus. As per the schedule, the Ages Bowl will host the series opener, while the next two Tests will be held at Old Trafford on July 16 and 24 respectively. All the matches will be held behind closed doors, under a bio-secure environment.
