FORMER colleagues of Worcestershire-born cricketer Steve Davies, who has become the country’s first serving professional to announce he is gay, have stood by him.

Vikram Solanki, who captained Davies when he played for Worcesteshire County Cricket Club is the chairman of the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

He said: “Steve has the full support of all his colleagues in cricket.

"Many of those he plays with and against have known about this for some time and none of them regard it as anything other than an entirely personal matter.”

David Leatherdale, chief executive at New Road, said: “Personally this was not something I aware of and from speaking to Steve (Rhodes) I don’t think he was aware either. Other players may have known.

“Is it something we are bothered about? No.

"It is not a big deal at all. I think Steve Davies has proved his worth as a cricketer and his sexuality should not be an issue.

“If this had happened when he was still here then we would have dealt with it in the same supportive way that Surrey and the ECB have.”

Meanwhile, Steve Rhodes, director of cricket at Worcestershire CCC, said: “It’s a personal issue. It’s his business not mine so I don’t want to make any comment about it.”

Mr Davies hopes his revelation can help others come to terms with their sexuality.

The talented opening batsman and wicket-keeper started playing for his home county in 2004 but left to join Surrey last season.

Mr Davies, aged 24, was part of England’s Ashes winning squad but was dropped in place of Matt Prior at the start of the one-day series in Australia.

The announcement about being gay was made in an interview with a national newspaper after the cricketer decided “the time was right” to be open about his sexuality.

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. Those close to me have known for a while and have been nothing but supportive and understanding. In particular, I’d like to thank Surrey CCC and the ECB, as well as the England players and coaching staff. My focus now is to play the best cricket I can for Surrey and get back into the England side. I am still the same person and I want to be remembered as a good cricketer, not a gay cricketer.”

Mr Davies, who was born in Bromsgrove, began playing for Kidderminster Cricket Club before making his debut for Worcestershire against Sri Lanka A in 2004. He was also a member of Stourport Tennis Club.

The left-hander has made eight one-day international and five Twenty20 appearances for his country.