Davies's revelation can only ease the plight of other gay sportsmen

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By the end of England's tour of Australia it was well known Steven Davies was gay. There was a feeling among those following events that his sexuality was his business and it was up to him if he wanted the world to know.

It became a topic of animated discussion only when it was suggested that his agent was hawking the story round Fleet Street. If so, then open season could be guaranteed. But the notion did not fit with Davies's image as a retiring and diffident man.

Common sense prevailed and his formal announcement yesterday in The Daily Telegraph was decorously presented partly because that is the way he presents himself. There was a fee for the sensitive interviews he gave both in the paper and in a videocast on its website but this has been wisely donated to charity.

There should and will be no fuss because there is nothing to fuss about. For Davies, however, it took courage. It was probably the final act in a series of revelations, each of which must have been damnably difficult to make.

He knew he was gay at a very young age. Five years ago when he was 19 he told his parents. That must have been the hardest step of all but he found only love and support. As his career progressed, first with Worcestershire and from last season with Surrey, some colleagues and team-mates came to know.

The next big step for Davies was before the Ashes tour last autumn. Selected as the reserve wicketkeeper, he feared going on a trip of three and a half months nursing his secret. When the party assembled at the National Performance Centre at Loughborough he plucked up the courage to tell the team coach, Andy Flower.

He need not have feared the reaction. Flower and the captain, Andrew Strauss, were immediately supportive, and it was eventually decided that the pair would ring round the squad to let them know. Still, he feared what their reaction might be. Again, he need not have had the sleepless nights. The team accepted him for what he was – a top class wicketkeeper-batsman and top notch bloke.

He is at the start of what should be a wonderful career in international cricket. Although he was desperately unfortunate not to be selected for the World Cup, he has shown enough to indicate that he has what it takes.

The decision to out himself may not only help him relax more, it may encourage other gay sportsmen not to hide their sexuality simply because they fear what might happen. Nothing will. Ian Bell, the middle order batsman, said it all yesterday. "He is a very popular guy in our team. He is a fantastic cricketer and that is what we see him as."