England captain Joe Root has been lauded for his response to a homophobic slur levelled at him by West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel.

Root was batting with Joe Denly on day three of the third Test in St Lucia when stump microphones picked up the back-end of his exchange with Gabriel.

“Don’t use that as an insult ... There’s nothing wrong with being gay,” Root appeared to say, before turning his back on the fiery quick.

While it remains unclear what Gabriel said, Root’s reaction earned him plaudits on social media.

Speaking after the day’s play, Root was keen to move on from the incident but conceded Gabriel might regret his actions.

“Sometimes people say things on the field that they might regret, but they should stay on the field,” Root said.

“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.

“That battle was a good contest, he’s had a wonderful series and he should be proud.

“I don’t want anything said in the middle to ruin what’s been a good Test series for him and his team.”

Umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Rod Tucker reportedly warned Gabriel about his language, but no further action has been taken.

Some cricket writers have suggested the matter should be pressed further if evidence of Gabriel’s transgression is found.

Root will resume his innings tonight on 111, having managed just 55 runs in his five previous innings on tour.