Adam Gilchrist believes it is “more worthwhile” when athletes educate themselves on the Black Lives Matter movement, and arrive at the decision to take a knee on their own.
It comes in the wake of South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock’s withdrawal from the Proteas’ second fixture of the T20 World Cup.
The 28-year-old made the call after Cricket South Africa introduced a mandate that players and staff take the knee before each match.
It later emerged de Kock made the decision not in opposition to the movement, but in the belief the gesture has been “watered down”.
“It’s such a wrestle, isn’t it?” Gilchrist asked SEN’s Whateley.
“It seems Quinton de Kock is very active in being pro-Black Lives Matter, and supporting people of colour within that country.
“I think the gesture, if it’s going to help people move forward and heal, and create a stronger future, is probably worth doing.
“For Quinton, it’s about being told he has to do something when he doesn’t necessarily feel he needs to do it, that it’s become a bit tokenistic.”
South African sports journalist Lungani Zama affirmed that de Kock’s decision to stand down reflects his perspective on the cricketing bureaucracy, not the movement.
“The timing of it could have been a lot better, given the amount of time South Africa have had to take a definitive, collective stance,” the Guardian contributor told SEN Breakfast.
“(CSA) have almost made up a rule in the middle of a tournament… the constitutional right was taken away from them, it was an instruction from the boss.
“If you’re asking me if Quinton de Kock is racist or against Black Lives Matter, I’ll unequivocally say no.
“I know him personally, and I know the work he’s done to improve the lives and experiences of black players and black people around him, for years.
“From my conversations with him, he sees it as a token gesture which has been watered down to almost mean nothing.”
The Australian team was criticised by West Indies great and broadcaster Michael Holding last year, having opted not to take the knee in a limited overs series in England.
Leaders later expressed regret that the team didn’t come together before the tour to contemplate taking a knee.
“The Australian approach wasn’t simple, but for the players who have to commit themselves to what they believe in, it is far better to grapple and find your own, isn’t it?” Gerard Whateley asked.
“Rather than be told by a governing body ‘this is what it looks like’.”
Gilchrist explained his understanding of how the current Australian approach was formulated.
“I know from personal chats with Justin Langer that he sought so much counsel on this,” he continued.
“He had long conversations with people like Stan Grant, and he sought out a guy like Adam Goodes to try to learn from their perspective.
“(To learn) how he and his team can formulate a view that they are completely comfortable with, but certainly wanting to honour and pay the appropriate level of respect.
“I do completely agree that it’s a much more worthwhile and meaningful journey if the individual is able to learn what they can, and settle on a comfortable decision for themselves.
“Rather than being forced, and ramrodded down a particular policy that has clearly been made on the run.”
Without de Kock, the Proteas successfully chased down the West Indies’ total of 143 with 10 balls to spare.
Temba Bavuma’s team will next face Sri Lanka in Sharjah on Saturday night (AEDT).