World Cup champion forced to remove DOVE logo from bat during Test series, here’s why

Usman Khawaja was fined earlier by the ICC for supporting the Palestinians.

World Cup champion forced to remove DOVE logo from bat during Test series, here’s why

Usman Khawaja (Images via ESPN, Fox Cricket)

Usman Khawaja was recently stopped by the ICC from showing his support for the Palestinians during the Pakistan tour of Australia. He wanted to write “All lives are equal” on his shoes, but was banned. After being stopped by the ICC, he put a Dove with an olive branch on his shoes, but was once again banned from using it. Khawaja tried wearing a black armband for the victims, but was fined by the ICC. 

In the ongoing Test between Australia and New Zealand, Khawaja cracked his bat during the 3rd day. When he called for a replacement bat, Matt Renshaw came with 3-4 possible replacements. Khawaja checked all the bats and picked one. 

YouTube video

The bat he selected had the dove symbol he wanted to use earlier, which got banned from the ICC. He removed the dove logo off the bat during the game and continued to bat, getting dismissed for 28. 

Related: “It is also a case of looking after your family,” star Aussie Test cricketer wants ICC to spend more money on cricketers’ salaries to save Test cricket

Australia finish day 3 with seven wickets needed to win

New Zealand hosted Australia for the first time in eight years. Electing to bowl first, New Zealand conceded 383 runs on a green top. Cameron Green scored his 2nd Test century, while Matt Henry picked up a five-wicket haul. 

Australia vs New Zealand
Australia has been dominating New Zealand since the start of the Test (Image via ESPN)

The visitors bowled out the host for only 179 runs. Nathan Lyon got his four-wicket haul on that pace friendly pitch, but Glenn Phillips’s 71 off 70 ensured they crossed 150. The Kiwis fought back, bowling out the Aussies for 164. Phillips took a five-wicket haul, with Lyon top scoring with 41 runs after coming in as a night watchman. 

Chasing 369, the Kiwis lost their top three within 20 overs for just 59 runs. Rachin Ravindra scored a 50, while Daryl Mitchell finished the day with 12* off 63 balls. Australia need 7 wickets to win, while the hosts need 258 to win.

In case you missed!