The Windies’ bowling spearhead, Shannon Gabriel has issued an “unreserved apology” to England skipper Joe Root in relation to the verbal altercation that took place on Day 3 of the St. Lucia Test, and eventually got the fast bowler suspended for four ODIs by the ICC. Gabriel released a statement to shed more light about the verbal banter. He noted that the verbal spat happened in the heat of the moment when he was trying to find a way past the pressures of Test cricket.

In his apology, Gabriel said, “To my team-mates and members of the England team, especially their captain Joe Root, I extend an unreserved apology for a comment which in the context of on-the-field rivalry, I assumed was inoffensive and sporting banter. I know now that it was offensive and for that, I am deeply sorry. The exchange occurred during a tense moment on the field. The pressure was on and England’s captain Joe Root was looking at me intensely as I prepared to bowl, which may have been the unusual psychological strategy with which all Test cricketers are familiar.”

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He further added, “I recognize now that I was attempting to break through my own tension when I said to Joe Root: ‘Why are you smiling at me? Do you like boys?’ His response, which was picked up by the microphone, was: ‘Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.’ I then responded: ‘I have no issues with that, but you should stop smiling at me.'”

Gabriel has also levied a fine of 75% of his match fee and three demerit points for the Level 2 offense. That relates to a ban from either two Tests or four ODIs or T20Is, whatever comes first.

The Trinidad pace, who was expected to earn a recall for the later part of the five-match ODI series against England, will resultingly miss the first four matches of the forthcoming rubber, scheduled to commence next week in Barbados.