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T20 WC: Quinton De Kock takes the knee ahead of SL match

Team MVR

South African wicket keeper batsman Quinton de Kock took the knee along with his other teammates ahead of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka in Sharjah on Saturday after he made his return to the side for the all-important game.

The opening batsman had opted out of Porteas last match against West Indies match on Tuesday over his refusal to follow the anti-racism gesture but later apologised and said he would be “happy” to do it.

De Kock got down on one knee at his wicketkeeping spot before the start of the Super 12 match with all the other Proteas players supporting the movement from their position on the field.

This remains a first for South African cricket which has been divided over the issue of anti-racism as De Kock and a few others had previously refused to take part in the gesture that has become a regular feature in most sporting events.

The players, barring De Kock, stood in unison for the first time in the match against holders West Indies after the national cricket board ordered its players do it.

De Kock remained the only change in the Proteas team with Heinrich Klaasen making way for the senior wicketkeeper-batsman.

“The team is feeling much better than we were a couple of days ago. Quinton is in a much better state,” Bavuma said at the toss.

De Kock’s last-minute pull raised a stunned South Africa and the cricket world and the former captain said sorry in a statement on Thursday.

“If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so,” said De Kock.