Usman Khawaja, and the like, have their spaces to voice opinions...
Khawaja's actions could be derived from political motivations, so to speak, but were not extreme in nature.
Above all, The Boxing Day Test is a perennial observance of tradition.
From the moment Christmas Day ends, the good folk of Melbourne and beyond begin to formulate their Boxing Day plans. Breakfasts permeate the family home, at the local cafe that always opens on the 26th, and then the corporate eggs at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground).
When it comes to cricket, the primary focus for patrons is finding their preferred seating, often acquiring seats for possibles who might have missed the early-morning alarm call. Seat-reserving is an increasingly contentious practice, particularly in the austere surroundings of the MCC members. Then, of course, the ham sandwiches and cakes that didn't make it into the fridge after the feast of Christmas are readied for consumption throughout the day.
The Christmas of 2023 has been relatively low-key on many fronts. Inclement weather has swamped the country's southeast since early December, and there's been a general hesitancy around spending and the economy.
The lead-in to the cricket has been equally modest, except for a continuing narrative involving Australia's Usman Khawaja and the game's powers that be, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket Australia (CA).
Earlier in the week, at practice, Usman Khawaja chose to wear tagged boots—IMO, cricket boots have indeed evolved into shoes—nevertheless, Khawaja’s shoes featured the slogans ‘all lives are equal’ and ‘freedom is a human right’ this relating to the current crisis in Gaza. I’m not here to argue that view; however, I support Khawaja’s position. Not knowing him personally, I assume that he would have given the subject substantial thought before deciding to tag his footwear in support of a more peaceful resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
His actions could be derived from political motivations, so to speak, but were not extreme.
2023 has been kind to Khawaja; the run-drunk opener has quietly gathered from all-comers and is likely to add more during this match. His method is stealthy over bold, and his presence is far from that of a provocative or inflammatory figure on the field. On the contrary, his restraint and poise set him apart as a calming influence in Australia's lineup.
Perhaps, on the back of his 2023, Khawaja feels empowered to tackle the most incredibly complex geopolitical issue the world currently faces.
However, Khawaja has many other platforms to table his thoughts and opinions. He is no Robinson Crusoe here; many other professional athletes have chosen their sports stage to highlight grievances against the status quo; some have perished in the process.
There are no signs of a Khawaja demise here, fear not, merely some punitive rhetoric from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket Australia (CA) in the form of a monetary penalty. If I were advising the thoughtful southpaw, it would be to urge him to commit his thoughts to print.
Kudos to Khawaja, though, for thinking outside the four dressing-room walls that are becoming more and more impenetrable.
‘Marching to the beat of a different drum’—as refreshing as Van Morrison told us in ‘Someone Like You.’
For the record, quoting the ICC:
“The ICC (International Cricket Council) supports players using their platforms outside of the playing arena to promote human rights, peace and equality and would encourage him to continue to use alternative platforms.”
The gatekeepers don’t make it easy!
At the time of filing, Australia and Pakistan are playing a decent Boxing DayTest match. Naturally, there were rain interruptions during day one. However, this shouldn’t affect the possibility of a result.
Australia reached 3-187 after being sent in by Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Marnus Labuschange edged to 44 not out from 120 balls after David Warner and Khawaja had laid another solid opening foundation.
(Australia now 5-250 with Alex Carey in need of an innings.)
As mentioned previously, the Boxing Day Test has helped establish enduring family conventions; perhaps my favourite, more individual than family, was a good cricket friend whose sole goal was steeling himself to watch the game’s first over from his seat. Yes, a single over at the iconic venue on a day prescribed for cricket.
After his four-minute vigil, he sought to avail himself of the many drinking holes in Melbourne Cricket Ground’s member’s enclosure. The cricket to him, and many others, was merely an accompaniment to the main course, which was being splendidly social. The second part of the anecdote relates to the journey home. Upwey, his destination, is on the Lilydale line (due east of the MCG). I’m not sure how many stops the train makes before Lilydale; however, inevitably, Mr Miles would be woken in a stationary train at the Lilydale train station, left with the conundrum of back-tracking to Upwey.
He did watch the first over, though.
Well written Nick... didn’t make Boxing Day but went 2 nd day.... somehow I think cricket is more interesting when wickets are falling rather than runs being made.. do you think likewise? Cheers AQ