'If I can help one person then that's all I care about'

[Doughnut Boy Andy]

First rugby, now cricket.

The England wicketkeeper Steven Davies has spoken of his relief after revealing he is gay. The 24-year-old Surrey player becomes the first active professional cricketer to openly admit to being gay.

"I'm comfortable with who I am – and happy to say who I am in public," he said. "To speak out is a massive relief for me, but if I can just help one person to deal with their sexuality then that's all I care about."

Davies, who missed out on a place in the England squad for the current World Cup campaign, came out to his friends and family five years ago. But the first time he told any of his fellow players came following his selection for England's successful Ashes tour during the recent winter.

And he revealed the relief he felt after telling the captain, Andrew Strauss, and the rest of the team.

"It was a fantastic thing to do, telling the lads. The difference is huge. I am so much happier," he said. "I told [England's team director] Andy [Flower] first. It was a tough thing for me to do, to tell him face-to-face, but I had to do it.

"He supported me 100%, him and Andrew Strauss. It was the right thing to do as I felt I couldn't live like this any more."

Flower expressed his support for Davies, telling the England and Wales Cricket Board website: "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."

Guardian