West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable 12-year career. Gabriel made his announcement on social media on the evening of August 28. He expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, and everyone who supported him throughout his journey, highlighting the joy he experienced playing the game at its highest level. In an emotional farewell post, he acknowledged that every good thing must come to an end. Interestingly, Gabriel holds a unique record in the cricketing world, being the first Test cricketer to bat at the 12th position, a feat rarely witnessed in the sport.
Controversy with Joe Root
Shannon Gabriel’s career was not without controversy. During England’s tour of the West Indies in 2019, he found himself embroiled in a heated exchange with English batsman Joe Root. In a Test match in St. Lucia, Gabriel was caught on the stump microphone making derogatory remarks towards Root, questioning why he was smiling and insinuating his sexual orientation. This incident became widely discussed, leading to Gabriel receiving a four-match ban from the ICC. Later, he acknowledged his mistake and offered an apology. Meanwhile, Root made a significant impact in that match, scoring a century in the second innings, contributing to West Indies’ defeat.
Career Overview
During his illustrious career, Shannon Gabriel played a total of 86 international matches, claiming 202 wickets. He made his international debut in 2012 against England at Lord’s, followed by his T20 debut in 2013 and ODI debut in 2016. Below is a summary of his international career statistics:
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 59 | 122 |
| ODI | 25 | 33 |
| T20 International | 2 | 3 |
Shannon Gabriel will be remembered as a fierce competitor and a key player for the West Indies cricket team. His contributions to the game, both on and off the field, will not be forgotten as he moves on to the next chapter of his life. As fans and fellow players reflect on his career, they celebrate not just his achievements but his resilience and passion for the game of cricket.
