The Australian cricketers have reportedly supported their teammate and Pakistani-origin leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed's decision not to wear a beer sponsor's logo on his shirt.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Ahmed, who had his Australian citizenship fast-tracked to allow him to play for his adopted nation, has been allowed by Cricket Australia (CA) not to wear the VB logo due to his Islamic beliefs.
Expressing his disappointment at former cricketer Doug Walters' and former rugby international David Campese's comments denigrating Ahmed's stance, Australian fast bowler Clint McKay said that the playing group for the one-day series in England fully supported Ahmed's decision.
According to McKay, Ahmed's troubles before his coming to Australia have been publicised to show what he had to go through to get to his current position, adding that it was always disappointing to hear the criticism of a teammate.
Agreeing with McKay, Australian Twenty20 captain George Bailey said that Ahmed had not brought up the issue during training nor he had let it distract it from his bowling, adding that he believes that Ahmed had probably dealt with a lot more important things than what is on the front of his logo.
Bailey also said that Ahmed has brought passion, professionalism and a great sense of humour to the team while several Australian players on tour have spoken of how well he has fit into the playing group.