The Independent Voice of West Indies Cricket

Gayle: I'm definitely not giving up captaincy

Wed, May 13, '09

 

Chris Gayle

One day after being quoted as being tired of leading the West Indies team, Chris Gayle says he has no immediate plans to relinquish the captaincy.

“I am definitely not giving up the captaincy after this Test match. I think I still have a big part to play in West Indies cricket. I always get the support of the team and the management staff. There is no conflict or problems in the team,” Gayle said in a report released by the WICB.

 [ SEE: Chris Gayle drops bombshell on captaincy, Test cricket ]

“We want to focus on our cricket by getting the job done – winning this match and keeping the Wisden Trophy. Since I started as captain it has helped me with my game and it has helped me as an individual as well.”

He added: “I am committed to West Indies cricket. As a player I am totally focused on the upcoming match and what I need to do to be successful. As a team we are totally focused on what is required to defeat England. We had discussions after the 1st Test and we know we have to be mentally strong in this match. It is a must win game and we will be looking to keep the Trophy. We will be attacking from ball one.”

Gayle said he never suggested he would be walking out on the West Indies team and would not turn his back on West Indies cricket. He also explained that there is “no bad blood” between himself and England captain Andrew Strauss.

“Test cricket will always be there. Test cricket is the ultimate. It is a test of you as a player and it is a test of character. You have to be mentally strong to cope with Test cricket as it runs over five days. Once you prepare properly you will be a worthy Test cricketer. “We have to get on with it. There is a job to be done tomorrow when we come up against England,” Gayle said.

“I have no hard feelings against Strauss. I have a lot of respect for him. There is no stand-off between Strauss and myself.”