England wicket keeper Steve Davies has become the country’s first professional cricketer to publicly announce he is gay.
The 24-year-old Davies made the announcement in video interviews on the websites of The Sun and Daily Telegraph.
Davies
said he told England coach Andy Flower last year before going on the
Ashes tour to Australia in which he played in the limited-overs matches.
“I have got nothing to hide and I am ready to tell people … I feel it is right to be out in the open about my sexuality,” Davies said.
“I’m comfortable with who I am – and I’m happy to say who I am in public.
“To
speak out is a massive relief for me personally – but if I can just
help one person to deal with their sexuality, then that’s all I care
about.
“At the end of my career I want to be remembered as a good cricketer, not just as a gay cricketer.”
Flower said Davies should be regarded first and foremost as a talented cricketer.
“This is something Steve chose to discuss with myself and the squad some time ago,” he said.
“I
would like to make it very clear that Steve is first and foremost a
very talented cricketer and a valued member of the England setup.
“His
private life is his own concern and has absolutely no bearing on his
ability to excel at the very highest level in international sport and I
have no doubt that he will continue to work hard to regain a place in
the England squad.
“Steve has had and will continue to have the
full respect and support of the entire squad and everyone involved in
England cricket.”
English players union chairman Vikram Solanki said Davies‘ personal preferences had been known among his peers for some time.
“Steve has the full support of all his colleagues in cricket,” he said.
“Many
of those he plays with and against have known about this for some time
and none of them regard it as anything other than an entirely personal
matter.”
