Mark Boucher Confirms South Africa Will Not Take Knee In The Home Series Against England

South Africa head coach Mark Boucher will lead his troops as the Proteas prepare for their first international cricket series since February. South Africa will take on England in six limited-overs games – three T20Is and three ODIs, beginning with the first T20 international in Cape Town on the 27th of November. Concerning the Black Lives Matter Movement, Mark Boucher confirmed they would not take a knee.

Several celebrities and sportspersons all over the world followed the practice of taking a knee to support the BLM movement. It took shape since May when the cops in the United States disgracefully killed a black man named George Floyd. From that point, several cricketers have not only revealed stories of racial discrimination but also strongly condemned it and have spoken against it. The likes of Michael Holding and Jason Holder have been two of the most active ones.

Mark Boucher reveals speaking to seamer Lungi Ngidi, who was taking the whole movement forward within their camp, that they have done their duties in the 3TC game conducted in July. Lungi Ngidi felt satisfied with the same and Mark Boucher addressed that it is not something they will have to keep doing it. The former keeper-batsman added that if there is a requirement to take more efforts, they will discuss with the team on the same.

“I have spoken to the guy (Lungi Ngidi) who was driving the whole movement within our set-up, he is pretty happy that we have done what we needed to do, in particular at that (3TC) game. It’s not something that we have to continue to show. It’s something that you have to live… If guys who brought it up are happy with it, that’s great, but if they feel we have to do more, that will be a chat and that they are open to express their opinions,” Boucher said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

South Africa fast bowler talks about the culture within the team:

Lungi Ngidi, who spearheaded the movement, underlined that the new value system is about respect, compassion, and empathy, all of which leads to an atmosphere where everyone has the freedom to express themselves. Ngidi assured that those victimised have the support and backing from every player within their set-up.

“Our new value system is about respect, empathy and belonging and all of those lead to an environment where guys feel free to talk about these hard issues. They’ve got the support and respect and empathy from every other player,” Ngidi added.

Also Read: South Africa Player Tests Positive Ahead Of England Series, Isolated Along With Two Other