Sterner tests ahead for Steven Davies

Steve James, writing for the Telegraph, says while the England squad has admirably accepted Steven Davies’ bold coming out, it remains to be seen how his admission will be received by opponents and the wider cricketing public. While cricketers supposedly have an unwritten rule against getting personal while sledging, he points out sexual connotations are hardly unknown.

If there are bigots and homophobes out there, they are hardly likely to announce themselves now. They will bide their time. I worry in particular about Twenty20 crowds. They are not exactly your typical cricket gatherings.

There are a number of smart alecs, cowards who can make their comments often without punishment. I just hope they don’t target Davies. And if they do, colleagues, opponents and officials must act. It must not be tolerated.