Davies will 'have no issues' in touring UAE

England's selection of Steven Davies for the tour to the UAE comes after a sterling season for Surrey; he played a key role in their promotion from the second Division of the County Championship after publicly announcing his homosexuality.

His possible difficulties in the Middle East, where homosexuality is illegal, were rightly played down by the England and Wales Cricket Board yesterday. The board said it had not been an issue when Davies played in Abu Dhabi last March, emphasising England would always select on merit and that players were aware of the need to observe local culture.