Joe Root praised for standing up to homophobia after telling West Indies player: ‘Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay’

Root struck a century to put the tourists in a commanding position after day three in pursuit of a consolation victory in the third and final test

Joe Root has been hailed as a “role model” for standing up to alleged homophobic remarks during the third Test between England and the West Indies in St Lucia.

The England captain responded after an incident with fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, stating: “There is nothing wrong with being gay.”

Gabriel was warned by the umpires for his language, with Root going on to hit a century to place the tourists in a commanding position to claim the final Test of the series, trailing 2-0.

And Nasser Hussein has lead praise for Root, insisting his words are more important than his personal batting milestone in the second innings or even a potential victory.

“I don’t know who said what to whom,” wrote the former England skipper. “But boy do I applaud Joe Root’s reaction here.

“For me his twelve words as a role model will be in the end more important than a test hundred or possible victory.”

Ian Wright also chimed in, writing: “Joe Root. Well played and well said Sir.”

Root would not confirm the exact nature of the comments that sparked his reaction.

While match referee Jeff Crowe was satisfied that no homophobic language had been detected.

“You’re playing Test cricket, people will look at this game as a dead rubber but it certainly doesn’t feel like that when you’re playing for your country – everything counts, every opportunity counts,” Root said after the close of play on day three.

“You can see that in the way he approaches the game and that’s how I feel about it as well.

“Sometimes things are said on the field but they should stay on the field. I think they can sometimes be caught in the moment and not always say what you want to say or think you’re saying. I think you should leave it there.”