Though England lost the test series against West Indies 2-1 they won the third match convincingly by 232 runs riding on a classy century by captain Joe Root in the second innings where he scored 122. The ICC has charged the Windies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel for a homophobic comment he made when Root was batting. Though what he said was not heard on the stump mic the England captain's reply was " "Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay."

Joe Root however declined to complain against Gabriel stating that what happens on the field should stay there and during games people say things (sledge) which they regret later. His action has been lauded by many as the sign of a good leader who stands up for what is appropriate. The high rated batsman is happily married to his longtime girlfriend Carrie Cotterell and has a son born in 2017.