England vice-captain Jos Buttler hopes his side’s decision to join their West Indian opponents in taking a knee sends a “very powerful message” about cricket’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
It was already known that both sides would be wearing the BLM logo on their collars in recognition of the global anti-racism protests that followed the killing of George Floyd in the United States, but they added a striking visual before the start of play.
The West Indian team took up their fielding positions at the Ageas Bowl before all 11, joined by England batsmen Dom Sibley and Rory Burns and umpires Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth, put one knee to the turf in unison.
England will resume with Burns on 20 not out and Joe Denly unbeaten on 14, with the latter potentially vying with next man Zak Crawley for one place ahead of a notable return for the second Test.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a straight shoot out but guys will know that Joe Root is going to return to the team,” said Thorpe.
“Individuals can feel a certain amount of pressure but there is pressure in international cricket.”
