PLAYERS CAN PUMP UP THE VOLUME NOW

‘DO you like boys?’ West Indies bowler Shannon Gabriel has belatedly admitted saying to Joe Root, resulting in a four-match ban. The England captain had called him on it, rightly, during play, and these remarks were picked up by stump microphones. Charged by the ICC, it is understood Root and one umpire would have given evidence — but there was no audio of what Gabriel is believed to have said, no evidence beyond his word against theirs. Justice was done, and a precedent set, but it will be interesting to see where this leads. With stump microphones now on permanently, players have already been accused of acting up in the recent series between Australia and India. Might a loudly voiced complaint be a cunning way to unsettle an opponent? Does that seem far-fetched? Some might have thought the same of smuggling sandpaper to scuff the ball, of faking a blood injury — but it happened. Professionals seek any advantage.