Gabriel faces two-game ban
SHANNON GABRIEL could be banned for two Tests after allegedly using the derogatory phrase ‘batty boy’ during his on-field spat with Joe Root. That is the term that drew the England captain’s measured response of ‘don’t use that as an insult, there’s nothing wrong with being gay,’ shortly after lunch on Monday. A West Indies source countered that their fast bowler muttered ‘little boy’ during the exchange. The ICC last night charged Gabriel, 30, with a breach of their code of conduct for
alleged homophobic abuse. Root said: ‘As a player you feel you have responsibilities to uphold on the field and I stand by what I did. I just did what I thought was right. They’re a good bunch of guys and it would be a shame if it tarnishes what has been a good, hard-fought series.’ On-field officials Rod Tucker and Kumar Dharmasena had until 24 hours after the flashpoint to take action. They reported at the close of play on Monday that they had dealt with the issue with a warning for the use of abusive language, but went back on that decision yesterday. Gabriel already has three demerit points and with the charge carrying between four and seven points, he would miss the equivalent of two Tests or four ODIs or T20 internationals if found guilty. Each set of four points is the equivalent to one Test or two white-ball games. ROOT THE HERO — PAGE FIVE