SHANNON Gabriel, the Windies spearhead, has come out with 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 which eventually got the fast bowler suspended for four ODIs by the ICC.

The pacer, on his part, released a statement to shed more light about the verbal altercation. 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.

“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,” Gabriel said. “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.

“I recognise 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.'”

The pacer from Trinidad was also levied a fine of 75% of his match fee and three demerit points for the Level 2 offence. That constitutes a ban of either two Tests or four ODIs or T20Is, whatever comes first.

The quick bowler, who was expected to earn a recall for the later part of the five-match ODI series against England, will resultantly miss the first four matches of the forthcoming rubber, scheduled to commence next week in Barbados. (Cricbuzz)