OPINION:
Home tests in New Zealand are as rare as hen’s teeth, so the prospect of the world test champions hosting a strong England line-up is mouthwatering. I’ve been planning this trip since June last year and am invested in the Black Caps both emotionally and financially. So, why do I feel a pang of discomfort at seeing our youngest cricket fans seeking the autograph of one of our players on the boundary?
It’s Scott Kuggeleijn and he’s making his test debut. There’s a shadow over this game. The sky is clear enough, but there’s an emotive debate continuing over the boundary rope.
The fact is that Scott Kuggeleijn was charged with rape in 2015. The first time it went to trial the jury couldn’t decide, and in the second trial in 2017, he was found not guilty. However, according to his own testimony, the complainant had said ‘no’ several times and he proceeded anyway. Weeks after the not-guilty verdict, he was called up to the Black Caps T20 team.
Some believe that with him having been found not guilty, we should move on and let him get on with his life, including playing for the Black Caps. Others feel quite bewildered by the selection of someone who has admitted to appalling behaviour. What happened to the Black Caps’ ‘good guy’ image? Some are so affronted by his inclusion that they won’t support the Black Caps when he’s on the team. Our understanding of consent has come such a long way since 2017 and people are more comfortable speaking out. Now is the era of social responsibility, and consumers look to brands to walk the talk when it comes to inclusion. Especially our beloved national teams.