'No one is forced to do anything' - Quinton de Kock on why he didn't participate in any anti-racism gestures

South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock slammed a brilliant century on Day 2 of the first Test against West Indies in St Lucia. His knock helped the Proteas take a healthy lead in the first innings and clearly are the favourites to clinch the opening Test of the two-match series. However, ahead of the game, another topic made the rounds and it was a few South Africa players not taking a knee or making gestures in support of Black Lives Matter movement.

South Africa players were given a choice in this regard by the board. Accordingly, before the match, six cricketers from the playing XI and the entire support staff took the knee while four players raised their right fist in support. However, De Kock didn’t participate in any of the anti-racism gestures and when asked about it, he didn’t reveal the exact reason while stating that it is his personal opinion.

“My reason – I will keep it to myself. It’s my own personal opinion. Like Lungi [Ngidi] said, it’s everyone’s decision. No one is forced to do anything. Not in life. That’s the way I see things. That’s just about it,” De Kock said in the press conference after the end of day’s play.

South Africa six wickets away from innings victory

As far as the match is concerned, on the back of Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 141, South Africa posted 322 runs on the board. They took a huge lead of 225 runs in the first innings and then their bowlers again troubled West Indies in their second essay. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje dismissed two batsmen each by stumps on Day 2 as hosts ended on 82/4.

They still trail by 143 runs and it will be a huge task to make the visitors bat again, let alone winning the game from here on. Meanwhile, Nkrumah Bonner suffered from concussion and was substitued by Kieran Powell who opened the innings with Kraigg Brathwaite. However, the left-hander couldn’t do much and got out after scoring 14 runs only.