Steve Davies Supported by Cricketing Community – 28/02/11

Steve Davies Supported by Cricketing Community – 28/02/11 England and Surrey wicketkeeper Steve Davies has received widespread support following his decision to talk publically about his personal life. Steve Davies said: "I feel now is the right time to be open about my sexuality. Those close to me have known for a while and have been nothing but supportive and understanding. In particular, I’d like to thank Surrey CCC and the ECB, as well as the England players and coaching staff. They have all offered me their full backing from the moment I told them. My focus now is to play the best cricket I can for Surrey and get back into the England side. I am still the same person and I want to be remembered as a good cricketer, not a gay cricketer." England Team Director, Andy Flower, said: "This is something Steve chose to discuss with myself and the squad some time ago. 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." Hugh Morris, Managing Director England Cricket, said: "Steve Davies is held in the highest regard by the ECB as a very talented young cricketer and he has our full support at a time when he has chosen to talk about his personal life and that stance will remain consistent for any player. "We work closely with the Professional Cricketers Association to ensure we have adequate support systems in place to offer guidance to all players on matters both on and off the field and our ‘One Game’ project demonstrates an ongoing commitment to ensuring that cricket is inclusive at every level." Vikram Solanki, Professional Cricketers Association Chairman, said: "Steve has the full support of all his colleagues in cricket. 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."