Shannon Gabriel apologies over Joe Root remark

West Indies bowler Shannon Gabriel has publicly apologised after making a comment to Joe Root that has seen him banned.

The 30-year-old claims he asked Root if he "liked boys" during the third Test. The England captain replied: "Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay."

The incident in St Lucia resulted in a four-match ODI ban for Gabriel.

He said in a statement: "I know now that it was offensive and for that I am deeply sorry.

"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 sporting banter."

"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 usual psychological strategy with which all Test cricketers are familiar," he said.

"I recognise now that I was attempting to break through my own tension when I said to Joe Root: 'Why are you smiling? 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'."

By accepting the charge, Gabriel was fined 75% of his match fee and picked up three demerit points, taking his overall total to eight in a two-year period, which triggered the ban.