Joe Root has suggested that West Indies bowler Shannon Gabriel made a regrettable chirp involving homosexuality during their on-field tussle in the third Test.
According to Sky Sports – after close inspection – the England captain appeared to have said to the Windies fast bowler that ‘there’s nothing wrong with being gay’, during day three of the third Test in St Lucia.
Root’s comments were picked up via the television stump mics, while Gabriel’s part was not audible. He was however spoken to by one of the on-field umpires about his language.
— Alan Conduct (@misterc88) February 11, 2019
Root addressed the matter after the day’s play.
‘It’s Test cricket. He’s an emotional guy trying to do everything he can to win a Test match.
‘Sometimes people say things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field.
‘He’s a good guy who plays hard cricket and is proud to be in the position he is. The battle was a good contest. He’s had a wonderful series and he should be proud.’
Despite not knowing about the potential controversy, West Indies coach Richard Pybus told the BBC: ‘Nothing has been reported to me, but if a comment was made we’ll review it and if it was untoward we’ll be addressing it.’
Photo: Sky Sports Twitter
