Shannon Gabriel banned following comments to Joe Root

West Indies bowler Shannon Gabriel has been banned from playing the first four One Day Internationals against England.

The International Cricket Council made the move following alleged comments he made to England captain Joe Root during the third Test in St Lucia.

Root’s response was picked up by microphones: "Don't use it as an insult. There's nothing wrong with being gay."

It takes Gabriel's total demerit points to eight in a two-year period, resulting in a four-match ODI ban.

West Indies host England in a five-match ODI series starting on 20 February in Barbados.