Australian Usman Khawaja continued to spread his message for tolerance by placing a peace symbol on his bat and shoes during training for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
A poster showing a black dove and the words 01: Universal Declaration of Human Rights – a reference to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – was on his bat and shoe during training in Melbourne on Sunday.
The left-handed batsman has held multiple meetings with Cricket Australia over recent days to find a suitable message for the second Test this week.
but, Australian And Melbourne era The International Cricket Council refused permission for his latest humanitarian gesture, newspapers reported.
Khawaja was banned from wearing shoes bearing handwritten slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” during the first Test in Perth.
The 36-year-old wanted to show his support for the people of Gaza, but was told his messages violated the International Criminal Court’s rules on statements relating to politics, religion or race.
He wore a black armband during the match and was reprimanded by the ICC, but later insisted it was due to a “personal tragedy” and promised to appeal the ruling.
Meanwhile, Pakistan lost the services of spinner Noman Ali who became the second player in two days to withdraw from the tour squad for the remainder of the three-Test series due to illness and injury.
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Left-arm pacer Mohammed Nawaz will replace Ali in the team. Ali, who did not play in the 360-run defeat in the first Test in Perth last week, underwent surgery for appendicitis in Melbourne on Saturday.
The Pakistani team’s statement said: “Noman Ali complained of sudden and severe abdominal pain yesterday, which led to tests and x-rays in the emergency room that confirmed the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.” “After surgery, his condition is stable and in good health.”
The latest blow for the tourists comes after fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, who took matching figures of 5-128 in his impressive Test debut in Perth, was ruled out for the remainder of the series with a stress fracture in his rib and a muscle tear on Thursday.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who missed the first Test, has also been ruled out of the Boxing Day match with a leg injury.
Pakistan traveled to Australia with a weak bowling line-up after fast bowler Naseem Shah was ruled out with a long-term injury and Haris Rauf opted to play in the Australian Big Bash League rather than join the touring squad.
“It is really unfortunate that Nauman Ali is not available for the Test matches,” said chief selector Wahab Riaz.
“Given the logistical challenges, including visa issues for any new player, and given the need for a left-arm pacer, Nawaz was the best option available to the team.”
Updated: December 24, 2023 at 9:55 am