Cricket: Australian cricketer James Faulkner has clarified what he meant by a recent social media post, saying he is not in a same-sex relationship.

Aussie cricket star James Faulkner has clarified a post he made on social media that was misinterpreted and then slammed for its insensitivity.

The 29-year-old posted a picture on Instagram of his birthday dinner with his mother and a man he said was his “boyfriend”. Faulkner also suggested in the caption they had been together for five years and posted on Twitter about it.

However, the all-rounder later added the words “best mate” in brackets to his Instagram caption so it read: “Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!) @robjubbsta and my mother @roslyn_carol_faulkner ❤️❤️❤️ #togetherfor5years.”

Faulkner later clarified his post with another message on Instagram, saying there had been a “misunderstanding” and he was “not gay” and Rob Jubb was “just a great friend”.

Cricket Australia also issued a statement apologising if anyone was offended.

“Cricket Australia does not consider the social commentary this morning from James Faulkner to be a joke, nor does James,” a CA spokesperson said.

“His comment was made as a genuine reflection of his relationship with his business partner, best friend and house mate of five years.

“James and CA are supportive of the LGBQTI community and recognises coming out can be an incredibly emotional time. The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive. Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence.”

Faulkner, who has played one Test and 69 ODIs for Australia and plays for Tasmania, received messages of support when it was thought he was publicly coming out as being in a same-sex relationship. Fellow cricketers also praised his “courage”.

Aussie limited overs star Glenn Maxwell commented on Faulkner’s post, saying: “Happy birthday mate! Great courage.”

Ex-Australian fast bowler Brett Lee wrote: “Good on ya mate. Have a lovely birthday Jimmy.”

Former Test quick Shaun Tait also said: “Great courage mate, bet u feel better. Happy birthday.”

People on social media were initially impressed with Faulkner’s move, saying it gave “hope” to other gay athletes and would be a “great support to young LGBTI sports (and other) people”.

But the tide quickly turned once the truth emerged about Faulkner’s post.

There are real people in this world for whom coming out as gay is one of the hardest things they’ll ever do. Opening up to people who might reject them can be and often is terrifying. That James Faulkner and his defenders think that’s something to ‘joke’ about is abhorrent. — Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottliebFOX) April 29, 2019

Sad that people think ‘coming out’ is something to joke about. — Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottliebFOX) April 29, 2019

Seems this was a false start. A joke in very poor taste if that was what he was going for. I look forward to his response/apology. https://t.co/9AMhbsUa9C — Casey Conway (@caseyconway_) April 29, 2019

congrats to James Faulkner for proving that cricket is still bad — mat whitehead (@matwhi) April 29, 2019

James Faulkner needs to explain what the joke is now, in detail. What is the punchline? Who is the target of the joke? From hwhence does the humour arise? — casey briggs (@CaseyBriggs) April 29, 2019

we all love james faulkner, the gay cricketer who’s a role model for queer youth *literally five seconds later* we regret to inform you the cricketer is [bro voice] no homo — casey briggs (@CaseyBriggs) April 29, 2019