Marnus Labuschagne supports Usman Khawaja’s right to wear a dove and olive branch symbol, but says it is a “different circumstance” to the religious eagle sticker he showcases on his own bat.
Khawaja is expected to display the dove and a reference to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on his shoes and/or bat in the Brisbane Heat’s BBL clash with the Perth Scorchers at the Gabba on Wednesday.
He wants his actions to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Khawaja was forbidden to do so by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the recent Test series against Pakistan, even though the Cricket Australia board had given their support.
Australian captain Pat Cummins earlier said Khawaja’s desire to display the dove was not different to Labuschagne’s display of the eagle on his bat.
The eagle refers to the Bible verse Isaiah 40:31, which says that those who hope in the Lord shall “soar on wings like eagles”.
Labuschagne, who will also play for the Heat on Wednesday, supported Test teammate Khawaja’s right to wear the dove, but said his eagle had a personal meaning.
“It is probably a slightly different circumstance. I have had that since 2016 and it was more for myself. It wasn’t for anyone else,” Labuschagne said.
“It was just a reminder for myself for the reason I am playing the game, so it is probably slightly different scenarios, but that doesn’t mean it is not the right decision to let him have (the dove) out there.
“The team has obviously been very supportive of him and what he is trying to do.
“From what I have read he is going to get the opportunity to wheel out the dove tomorrow night, and I assume that will be very special to him.”
Labuschagne said that with the first Test against the West Indies not beginning until January 17, it made sense for him and Khawaja to play for the top-of-the-table Heat on Wednesday night.
“It was a mutual call and it is always nice to come back,’‘ Labuschagne said.
“The way we have been playing, there is great energy around the group. I have just got here and there are a lot of smiles on faces,.
“It is a pretty uncharacteristic long break between (Test) series. We only commence back on Saturday and probably start training Sunday, so there is plenty of time to get back into red-ball mode.”
There is a great carrot for the Heat on Wednesday night. Win and they finish top of the BBL ladder and host the team that finishes second for direct entry into the final.
“To come here and help the team finish first and lock that in … will be massive,” Labuschagne said.