Almost a year has passed without Chris Gayle representing the West Indies because of a highly charged radio interview with a Jamaican radio station in which he criticized Head Coach Ottis Gibson.
Chairman of CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, announced recently that the matter had been resolved.
Negotiations went on for weeks in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in having the matter resolved. Prime Minister of St. Vincent Ralph Gonsalves facilitated the concerned parties Gayle and the WICB.
The statement of resolution on the impasse, signed by both Gayle and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), sees both parties expressing regret for their actions and pledging to move forward in the spirit of reconciliation.
In the light of all this, the WICB and Gayle agree that the way is now clear for his active return to West Indies cricket subject to all necessary fitness considerations.
Gayle Will Be Available For Twenty20 World Cup This Year
Because of Gayle’s Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments he would not be available to participate in the England series starting May 5 to June 24.
However, he may be able to participate in the One-Day and Twenty20 aspects of the series because his IPL contract finishes May 27 in India and he should be available after May 29. The West Indies is scheduled to play three Test matches, three One-Day Internationals and a single Twenty20.
Windies Need The Force Of Chris Gayle
It is quite clear that the West Indies cricket team needs the striking force of Chris Gayle to regain some respect and assist in the rebuilding of West Indies cricket. It is necessary to have an experience player such as Gayle return to the team. He brings an abundance of experience from which the younger players will benefit greatly. Presently, the West Indies team lacks muscle.
Spinners Will Contribute Significantly
Sunil Narine, Narsingh Deonarine and Shane Shillingford should create a bowling force for the West Indies in the spinning department. Windies will always need two reputable spinners for the Test matches along with two pacers.
The West Indies catching will have to be improved because too many catches were spilled on the field creating a set back for the team.
Wicket keeper Carlton Baugh has been too faulty with the gloves. It is about time the selectors look to groom other young wicket keepers in the region.
