Dubai: South Africa's opening batsman and wicket-keeper  Quinton de Kock has declared himself available for the rest of the T20 World Cup following a row over refusing to kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Sitting out South Africa's 2nd T20 World Cup match against West Indies for "personal reasons", the wicket-keeper provided a statement on Thursday, released by Cricket South Africa. 

The batsman apologised to his teammates and said that he will take the knee for the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He also reiterated his desire of playing for South Africa. 

“If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so,” he said in a statement released.

"I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example.
If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so.
I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don’t understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game.
I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused.
I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit..."

Quinton de Kock statement