England Captain Joe Root Tells Opponent 'There's Nothing Wrong With Being Gay'

England captain Joe Root has been praised for his response to sledging during an international test match.

The batsman was at the crease during his side's third test against the West Indies when fast bowler, Shannon Gabriel, is understood to have said something offensive to Root.

Footage from the match caught the Englishman telling Gabriel: "Don't use it as an insult. There is nothing wrong with being gay."

The microphone didn't mange to pick up what Gabriel had said but he was then warned by the umpire for his language following the clash.

Root refused to tell the press what Gabriel had said to him during the match and it's understood no actions will be taken against the bowler.

Root said: "You're playing Test cricket, people will look at this game as a dead rubber but it certainly doesn't feel like that when you're playing for your country - everything counts, every opportunity counts.

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"You can see that in the way he approaches the game and that's how I feel about it as well.

"Sometimes things are said on the field but they should stay on the field. I think they can sometimes be caught in the moment and not always say what you want to say or think you're saying. I think you should leave it there."

Since the footage was released by Sky Sports News, the 28-year-old has received a huge amount of support with fans praising his stance.

One person wrote: "What a legend. Even in the fight of test cricket @root66 shows his class and morals and just what a sound bloke he is!"

A second user said: "I know he's from the wrong side of the Pennines but this is wonderful of Joe Root. Well done lad."

While another added: "Well said Joe Root, no room for that attitude in sport. Good captaincy."

West Indies coach Richard Pybus said there have been no reports of abusive language but will investigate if any are made.

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He said: "I think the fast bowlers are always going to try and impose themselves on the game," he added.

"It's always a proper tussle out there. I think it is pretty standard.

"The series has been played in exceptional spirit, I wouldn't want to pre-empt anything.

"Shannon is a proper old-school fast bowler, I think we need to find out if there is anything behind the rumours and then we'll address it."

Root ended day three in St Lucia with 111 not out, with England on 325-4, taking their lead to 448 and are expected to declare on day four.

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Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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