Windies’ Gabriel may regret his on-field remark, says ton-up Root

JOE Root helped himself to an unbeaten century in St Lucia as England piled up a 448-run lead on day three of the third Test against the West Indies.

Root managed just 55 in his five previous innings on tour but ended the series on a high, closing day three unbeaten on 111.

England’s innings of 325 for four was comfortably their best, and longest, of the tour and although there were more disappointments for openers Rory Burns and Keaton Jennings, a bright 69 from Joe Denly offered cause for cautious optimism.

Root suggested Windies bowler Shannon Gabriel said something he “might regret” during an on-field exchange in the third Test.

Root appeared to tell Gabriel “there’s nothing wrong with being gay” while batting on day three in St Lucia, with the comments apparently picked up on television via the stump microphone.

Gabriel’s part of the conversation did not seem to be audible but it is understood the Trinidadian paceman was spoken to by at least one of the on-field umpires, Kumar Dharmasena and Rod Tucker, about his language.

Whether the match referee Jeff Crowe deems the incident worthy of further attention remains to be seen, while West Indies head coach Richard Pybus promised to take further action “if it was untoward”.

Speaking in measured terms, he said: “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.”

Pybus was unaware of any potential controversy at close of play but said: “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.”