With the series opener being a historical Test of sorts ending a forced 117-day hiatus, the players from both teams made the pre-match session special with a noteworthy gesture by taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Moments before the first delivery was bowled at the Rose Bowl Ground which was devoid of spectators, West Indies’ fielding players knelt in the outfield while their England counterparts did the same around the field.
On a rain hit opening day which saw only 82-odd overs being bowled, England ended Day 1 on 35/1 at Stumps. Play started after a three-hour delay because of light rain and a wet outfield. There can be a maximum of 70 overs on the rain-affected first day.
Also Read | Eng vs WI, 1st Test, Day 1 : England Post 35/1 At Stumps As Rain Hits Resumption Of International Cricket After 117 Days
A Black Lives Matter logo also was visible on the collar of the test shirts worn by players from both teams for the match which is being played in a strict isolated environment by observing all the social distancing norms to keep the cricketers save from the highly contagious coronavirus pandemic
The West Indies squad has earlier said that the Black Lives Matter movement, which has gained steam all over the world post the killing of African American citizen George Floyd in the United States in May, will serve as a source of motivation on this tour.
It is notable that English soccer players also did the kneeling gesture marking the resumption of Premier League matches in England last month.
Players also showed their respect by observing a a minute’s silence in honour of those who passed away due to the coronavirus pandemic and also West Indies great Everton Weekes.