Australia VS West Indies: Pat Cummins unperturbed by criticism over taking the knee

It was an historic moment, as this was the first time this gesture was made by the team on home soil, and the fans in attendance even applauded it. 

However, as expected, there was criticism from some supporters, particularly on social media, who accused the team of being too ‘woke’. Pat Cummins was expecting no less and made it a point to address these complaints.

“In this position, you’re always going upset people, whether you do something or you don’t do something,” Pat Cummins said.

“That’s fine — I know what I signed up for. We’re cricket players, but you can’t leave your values at the door.

“People stand for different things, and something like taking a knee this week, we’re doing it out of respect for the West Indies, in support of equality.

“Anyone who says that’s a bad thing, I’m not too bothered about. We’ve done it in different formats over the last two years. We took a knee against them in the T20 series."

Before the start of the test series, the two teams also participated in a Barefoot Circle to show respect to indigenous people. 

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite also appreciated the solidarity over taking the knee and said it meant a lot coming from the Australia team. 

“It’s good to know that Australia is taking part,” he said.

“Obviously it means a lot to us, seeing what’s going on around the world. So obviously we appreciate that, it means a lot to us.”

Australian spinner Adam Zampa also leaped to the defense of the team and the captain, saying it was impossible to please everyone, but they would not hold back when it came to upholding values.

“The same people that say (to be quiet) are always the ones telling us to try and not be vanilla as well,” he told SEN 1170 Breakfast on Wednesday.

“We have certain beliefs, and if we’re asked about them, we will tell the truth. I think Pat nailed it on the head yesterday. He’s copped quite a lot in the media.

“He’s not the guy who will back down and then change his values because of what a few people will comment on their Facebook pages about it.”

In many ways, it’s sad that some once again see a simple gesture for human rights as a sign of bringing ‘politics into sports'.

However, the fight isn’t a battle for political gain but for humans – regardless of anything which may differentiate them – to have equal rights. 

Thus, it is only fitting to commend the Australian team for upholding their values and following through with the gesture to raise awareness to their cause of equality around the world despite knowing the kind of criticism they would face.