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Gay News: England reserve wicketkeeper Steven Davies has come out as gay
By: Nigel Robinson
Steven Davies
Steven Davies
Top cricketer comes out
28 February 2011
The 24-year-old player for Surrey said that it was a “massive relief” coming out to his international team-mates before the start of the Ashes series in Australia last year.
They, had, however, all agreed to keep it a secret until now so that it would not become a distraction to his game.
“It’s something I’ve lived with for a long time,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “Although I feel it is the right time I am nervous about coming out. Who wouldn’t be? It’s the biggest decision I’ve had to face, and by far the toughest – bigger even than facing [Australian cricketer] Brett Lee in the middle.”
Davies never enjoyed touring because he had to hide his sexuality, he revealed, and dreaded conversations coming round to whether he had a girlfriend.
“My friendships with the guys would reach a certain level, and then I’d have to take a step back,” he admitted.
“A two-week tour would feel like two years for me, it was really tough. Cricket was my escape. When I was playing cricket I was at my happiest because all I had to worry about was getting runs and taking the catches.”
His life changed dramatically when he came out to his team-mates.
“I enjoyed a three-and-a-half month tour that would previously have killed me,” he said. “Once the secret was out those months just flew by. My friendships with the boys blossomed. It’s easier now I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Although he has been dropped from the England side for the current cricket World Cup, Davies insists that this had nothing to do with his sexuality, and he has received the full support of his team-mates.
England coach Andy Flower said: “Steve is first and foremost a very talented cricketer and a valued member of the England set-up.
“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.”
Davies also says that rugby player Gareth Thomas’s decision to come out on 2009 helped him make his own decision.
Gareth Thomas “showed me it can be done. He was brave enough to stand up and say who he was. If I can help anyone else like he helped me, that would be great.”
