England and West Indies take knee before start of first Test

Both camps had mentioned in the days and weeks leading up to the game that they would be looking to perform a gesture on the field to provide a powerful message against racial inequality

England and West Indies players all took a knee ahead of the start of the first Test of the three-match series at the Ageas Bowl.

Both camps had mentioned in the days and weeks leading up to the game that they would be looking to perform a gesture on the field to provide a powerful message against racial inequality.

The teams had already revealed that they would wear a Black Lives Matter logo on their shirts for the Tests, with the emblem designed by Alisha Hosannah, the partner of Watford footballer Troy Deeney.

After observing a minute's silence in memory of those who have passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic and Sir Everton Weekes, players and umpires took a knee on the field, while others did so around the boundary rope. Players also wore a single black glove.

Speaking on Tuesday, stand-in England captain Ben Stokes said: “There's going to be a gesture from us in support of Black Lives Matter. We aren't showing support towards any political matters. We're all about the inequality in society.

“Not only has this been a period for us getting ready for a Test match, it has also been great for us to have some educational chats as a team around this, which has been really beneficial for a lot of our members.

England and West Indies players take a knee ahead of the first #EngvWI Test in support of #BlackLivesMatter

Watch live on Sky Sports Cricket now or follow here: https://t.co/ZUqX1InU7t pic.twitter.com/avR3aFUiTj

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2020

“I’m really excited as an individual and the team is really excited that we’re able to be a part of that because I see it as, without the diversity that we’ve shown as a team over however many years, we might not be World Cup champions, we might not be one of the best Test teams in the world. We’ve got a great chance to send a real powerful message and to educate people more on the matter.”

The ICC regulation on statements that go beyond sport has been clear. “Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes,” it reads.

However, a spokesperson from the game’s governing body told ESPNcricinfo in June that the rule will be relaxed in relation to anti-racist statements.

“We will exercise a common-sense approach to the implementation of regulations in relation to this issue,” the spokesperson said.

Save 30% when you subscribe to The Cricketer’s print & digital bundle. £35 for 12 issues