The Australian Batter Usman Khawaja removed the black dove sticker from the bat on day 03 of the first test of Australia’s tour of New Zealand 2024.
Usman Khawaja removes Dove Sticker
Australian opener Usman Khawaja was forced to remove a banned dove sticker from a replacement bat after Australia had a 217-run lead against New Zealand.
During batting, Khawaja’s bat cracked during the opening session on day 03. Matthew Renshaw came in with a few kits before Khawaja settled on a bat that sported a dove logo with an olive branch, which ICC banned from displaying it on his gear.
During last year’s December, Khawaja requested to wear a dove sticker but was turned down by ICC during of the test series on Pakistan’s tour of Australia.
The logo represents a peace symbol to create awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But ICC banned from using it in the international fixtures.
He was also restricted from wearing shoes displaying the quotes “all lives are equal’ and “freedom is a human right”. He was also criticized for using a black armband during the match.
But CA chief Nick Hockley and Australian skipper Pat Cummins backed Usman. “We support Uzzy, I think he’s standing up for what he believes and I think he’s doing it respectfully. All lives are equal and I don’t think that’s very offensive, and I’d say the same about the dove.
“That’s Uzzy. He can hold his head high the way he’s gone about it, but there are rules in place, so I believe the ICC has said they’re not going to approve that. They make up the rules and you’ve got to accept it,” said Cummins.
Even Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his support to the player Usman Khawaja on the ICC Stand.
Coming to the match, Australia batted first to set up a score of 383 runs in the first innings. Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood recorded for highest stand for the 10th wicket after scoring 116 runs.
After their bowling strategy failed, New Zealand struggled against Australia bowlers where Nathan Lyon bagged four wickets to collapse the batting lineup. Kane Williamson was dismissed on a run out which is his first in 12 years. Finally, the Kiwis concluded their innings scoring 179 runs in their innings.
Australia started their second innings with a 204-run lead, but Glenn Phillips was exceptionally impressive with the ball bagging five wickets to prevent Australia from scoring runs.
Matt Henry also bagged three wickets contributing to the side. With a trail of 368 runs, New Zealand started their second innings but openers Tom Latham and Will Young were sent out with low scores.
The former captain Kane Williamson was dismissed by Lyon for nine runs. Rachin Ravindra came to rescue and smashed 56 runs including 8 fours and one six.
After the dismissal of Young, Daryl Mitchell joined with Emerging player Ravindra and scored 12* runs by the end of day 03 at Basin Reserve.
