GABRIEL’S NO ANGEL
Paceman won’t target Root but has vowed to play hard
SHANNON GABRIEL says he is not looking to reignite the personal battle with England captain Joe Root that landed him in hot water in the Caribbean last year.
The fast bowler got into trouble for suggesting Root “liked boys” during the third Test in St Lucia.
And although he maintained he would not hold back against Root in the upcoming behind-closeddoors series, the Trinidadian quick said he considered the episode closed. “It was in the past and I don’t really think about it too much now,” said Gabriel from his quarantined quarters at Old Trafford.
“Whatever was said I don’t really want to talk about – I am just looking forward to the future and to doing my best for West Indies cricket. There are no hard feelings.
“I’ve come here to play cricket and whether it’s to Ben Stokes, right, or whoever, I am going to do my best to get them out. It is not like I am targeting one player or anything.” Gabriel, 32, had become embroiled in a row with Root in February last year – a dispute that led to a four-match one-day international ban and fine.
During an increasingly shorttempered and short-pitched spell, the bowler questioned whether the England skipper “liked boys” after his best efforts were met with repeated smiles.
Root’s response, which was overheard on the stump microphones, was “don’t use it as an insult. There is nothing wrong with being gay”.
Gabriel offered an unreserved apology and maintained it had been accepted. But he claimed their history would not stop him returning to the verbal fray when the action gets underway at the Ageas Bowl next month. “You can get away with a bit of personal banter as long as it stays within the rules of the game and it’s not disrespectful,” he said.
West Indies, who won that series 2-1, continued preparations for the three Test series at Old Trafford yesterday.
“We are improving and one reason is we are more experienced as a team of fast bowlers,” he said.
England players are set to meet on Tuesday in Southampton, where leg-spinner Matt Parkinson is relishing the chance to force his way into contention.
“I’ll be looking to pick up where I left off in Sri Lanka,” he said.