Joe Root scored a century as England manhandled a depleted West Indies attack to lead the dead rubber third test by 448 runs after three days on Monday.
England, 123 runs up on the first innings, cruised from 19 without loss at the start of the day to 325-4 at stumps.
Root was 111 not out, reaching his first half-century and century in eight innings, with the West Indies already having won the series 2-0.
Beside Root was Ben Stokes, on 29 not out.
The English skipper was involved in a verbal duel with Windies pacer Shannon Gabriel. He was heard saying “There is nothing wrong with being gay.”
— Alan Conduct (@misterc88) February 11, 2019
Gabriel was warned about using abusive language by the on-field umpires following his verbal slugfest with Joe Root.
Root was clearly not happy and was seen answering back to Gabriel who may have said something not pleasing to him. The West Indies pacer was constantly targeting Root.
The stump microphone clearly picked Joe Root’s words but Gabriel comments were not heard. Root refused to elaborate on the issue after day’s play.
“Sometimes people say things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field,” said Root.
“It’s Test cricket and he’s an emotional guy trying to do everything he can to win a Test match. He’s a good guy who plays hard cricket and is proud to be in the position he is. The battle was a good contest, he’s had a wonderful series and he should be proud,” he added.