Joe Root was involved in a verbal altercation with West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel during the third day's play in St Lucia. Root could be heard saying: “There is nothing wrong with being gay.” Gabriel was warned about using abusive language by the on-field umpires, Rod Tucker and Kumar Dharmasena, following a confrontation with Root.
Joe Root was involved in a verbal altercation with West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel during the third day's play in St Lucia. Root could be heard saying: “There is nothing wrong with being gay.” Gabriel was warned about using abusive language by the on-field umpires, Rod Tucker and Kumar Dharmasena, following a confrontation with Root.
The England captain was batting during the afternoon session and was on his way to his make his 16th Test century when he was seen answering back to Gabriel who may have said something to him at the end of an over. Gabriel had been having a verbal battle with Root throughout the day.
Root’s response was clearly picked up by the stump microphone while Gabriel's comments were not heard. However, Root refused to elaborate on what happened.
It is understood that the match officials did not hear anything that would fall under the ICC’s anti-racism code that also covers homophobic comments.
Root acknowledged that Gabriel could have said something he "might regret" during their exchanges. He, however, did not report it to officials and suggested such exchanges should stay on the field.
"Sometimes people say things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field," Root said.
"It’s Test cricket and he's an emotional guy trying to do everything he can to win a Test match. 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," he added.
West Indies' interim coach Richard Pybus said he was not aware of the comments but suggested that, if they were deemed "untoward", it would be addressed.
"Nothing has been reported to me," he said. "But if a comment was made, we'll review it. And, if it was untoward, we'll be addressing it."
Article 2.13 of the ICC's code of conduct applies to use of "language of a personal, insulting, obscene and/or offensive nature", with a range of charges covering different levels of seriousness.
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