Justin Langer: Australia could have talked more about Black Lives Matter

Australia head coach Justin Langer admits his side should have given greater consideration to taking a knee on their tour of England following criticism from Michael Holding.
Holding, the West Indian great, has used his platform this summer to take up the cause of the anti-racism movement and rebuked England and Australia for not making the symbolic gesture during their recent limited-overs matches.
Both England and the West Indies did so in unity before all three Tests at the start of the season, with the practice carried on for the one-day series against Ireland. It has since been shelved for the visits of Pakistan and Australia, with no agreement reached between the sides.

England paceman Jofra Archer took exception to Holding’s comments, claiming he had not “done his research” and reiterating England’s solidarity with Black Lives Matter, but Langer took a conciliatory tone.
“When Mikey says what he says, it’s certainly worth listening to. In terms of taking a knee, to be completely honest, we could have talked more about it perhaps leading up to the first game,” he said.
Langer went on to suggest the unique bio-security arrangements of staging an international tour in the midst of a pandemic had dominated the build-up.
“There was so much going on leading up to us getting here, maybe we should have talked more about it,” he added.

“What we do talk about within the team was that we want to have a response that is sustained and powerful, and that it can go not just in one action but a sustained period. Not just throughout this series and the summer but throughout time.
“I just hope if it looked like there was a lack of respect, it wasn’t the intention of our team. We were very aware of it.”
It is considered highly unlikely that anything will change for Wednesday’s third ODI at Emirates Old Trafford, with the rivals focusing fully on the winner-takes-all decider.
Cricket Australia as an organisation is reviewing matters of equality and inclusivity, with discussions ongoing around how best to recognise the issues, including concerns held by the nation’s Indigenous and Islander peoples.
Latest
-
News
One-off women’s Test between England and India to go ahead this year – Jay Shah
Shah revealed the surprise news on International Women’s Day.
-
News
Sam Curran hopes IPL commitments do not get in way of England duties
The 22-year-old was rested after January’s tour of Sri Lanka and spent a week in quarantine after arriving in India on February 26.
-
News
Wayne Parnell to be overseas player for Northamptonshire’s in 2021
Former Proteas paceman Wayne Parnell will join...
-
News
What next for England following the Test series defeat to India?
The tourists head straight into the white-ball leg of the tour which begins this week.
-
News
Chris Silverwood admits Jofra Archer elbow problem may need long term management
The England fast bowler was unavailable for the second and fourth Tests of the series against India due to pain in his right elbow.
-
News
How England’s players rated in their Test series against India
See how the England players rated during the series defeat.
-
News
England storm to T20 series whitewash over New Zealand
Wicketkeeper Amy Jones completed three stumpings and Katherine Brunt took two for 19 in England’s 32-run victory.
-
News
Joe Root promises England will learn lessons from India rout
An innings defeat in Ahmedabad rounded off a 3-1 series loss.
-
News
India v England, day 3: Tourists left in a spin once again as series slips away
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel continued their outright domination of England and helped seal a 3-1 series win.