Australia are all set to continue their ongoing Test series against Pakistan after winning the first Test in dominant fashion. The Pat Cummins-led side is gearing up for the second Test on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26. 

Meanwhile, veteran batter Usman Khawaja has been in the headlines in recent weeks with his plan of wearing shoes with a message regarding the Gaza attacks. Khawaja recently made an application to the ICC (International Cricket Council) to display a small dove holding an olive branch on his shoe and bat during the Test match, which is a reference to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Khawaja did get clearance for the dove logo from Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association, but the ICC denied his application for the same, stating that it is in violation of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations.

Speaking of the same, skipper Pat Cummins came forward in Khawaja’s support. Opining that the entire side is behind the veteran opener and that the request for a dove logo is not very offensive, he also stated that one has to stay within the rules as well.

“Not really, no – I don’t know the ins and outs of the application, but I think it is pretty vanilla, a dove, we really support Uzzy, I think he’s standing up for what he believes and I think he’s doing it really respectfully,” Pat Cummins was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

“All lives are equal and I don’t think that’s very offensive, and I’d say the same about the dove. That’s Uzzy. He can hold his head high the way he’s gone about it, but there’s rules in place, so I believe the ICC have said they’re not going to approve that. They make up the rules and you’ve got to accept it,” he added. 

It is worth noting that Khawaja was found in violation of the Clause F of Clothing and Equipment Regulations during the first Test against Pakistan as he wore a black armband. He did state that it was due to a personal bereavement but agreed to not wear it in the upcoming matches.