The Proteas would want to take a stand against racism as well: Lungi Ngidi

South African fast bowler Lungisani Ngidi stated that his team will be having discussions among themselves about the possibility of staging anti-racism protests ahead of Cricket matches.

Although the Proteas do not have any Cricket matches to play until later this year, Ngidi said that the discussions will be taking place once the team assembles. The Durban born speedster said, “I think that is definitely something that will be discussed once we are in person. Obviously, we have spoken about it and everyone is well aware of what is going on. It’s also a difficult one because we’re not together so it’s hard to discuss. I definitely think once we get back to playing that it’s something we have to address as a team. As a nation as well, we have a past that is also difficult in terms of racial discrimination and things like that. So, definitely, we will be addressing it as a team. It’s something we have to take seriously and like the rest of the world is doing, take a stand.”

Former Cricketers Ebony Rainford-Brent and Michael Holding spoke up extensively on how institutionalized racism needs to be eradicated for the sake of humanity, in an emotional exclusive piece done by Sky Sports. The two Cricketers, along with Nasser Hussain, spoke extensively about the same during the rain delay in the first day of Cricket after the four month break due to COVID-19 between England and West Indies. The Cricketing experts shared their experiences of racism along with delivering powerful messages through their statements. Earlier, prior to the start of play, all 13 players took the knee to show solidarity to the black lives matter movement.

ALSO READ: Michael Holding and Ebony Rainford-Brent reflect on racism in society

Ngidi admitted that he has been looking forward to the series to see how Cricket has changed after the lockdown, and what to expect as a Cricketer when they resume playing. The rookie pacer who made his Test debut against India in 2018 said, “I’m actually glad someone else is playing before we do, so we can actually see how everything is going to go about. It’s going to be a different type of cricket now. Obviously, the basics of the game still apply, the batting and the bowling, all of that stuff, but just to see how everyone is going to be handled off the field. How interaction is going to work with camera stuff and all those guys. I think it’s going to be interesting to see. To show us, if not give us a blueprint of what to do in South Africa to get our cricket going again. I’m pretty sure everyone is sitting at home, ready to play.”