Jamaica, July 01: Chris Gayle has said he is keen on continuing as West Indies captain despite the team’s dismal run of form over the past few years culminating in a 0-2 reversal in the home Tests against South Africa.
“Definitely I want to go on,” Gayle said. “Before the series I was brought into a meeting and had a discussion about my future and gave them my everything so we will see what happens.”
Under his leadership West Indies have won only three of 20 Tests while tasting defeat nine times. His record is not much better in the shorter formats, losing 30 in 53 ODIs and 10 out of 17 Twenty20s. But Gayle was not ready to give up just yet.
“I am still willing to go on. I am still pushing to go on. I still have a lot to offer in that particular area. There are a few issues I need to sort out before I progress,” Gayle said. “When you are not getting the support there is going to be a problem. So we need to address that as quickly as possible and see how well be can come up with a better system.”
Gayle had a poor series against South Africa with the bat, managing just 159 runs at an average of 31 against South Africa, but he was quick to point that his batting record has improved with captaincy. “Since I have been captain, I didn’t even notice it but my average in Test cricket has been over 50 [1528 runs at 47.75, against a career average of 40.31] which is a tremendous achievement. It has helped me become a more mature person as well. I am willing to move forward and have better results for West Indies cricket.”
Gayle’s attitude came under the scanner last year when he turned up in England barely 48 hours before the start of the first Test, preferring to play in the IPL than prepare for the tour. “I wouldn’t be so sad if Test cricket died out,” he had said then, a remark that caused much consternation.
——-Agencies