Gayle: We're Getting Better
West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle spoke with the media after the team?s training session in Jaipur on Tuesday.
Among other things, the left-hander said the long tour -- which included a tri-nation series in Malaysia and ICC Trophy qualifiers -- helped the team get better and better. "We are playing a lot of cricket and the more cricket we play, the better for us, he said.
Following are some of Gayle's responses:
On whether the Windies will have an advantage having played on the pitch before (v Bangladesh in qualifying round):We've played on this wicket before and we know what to expect but the South Africans are playing well so far. They were real impressive in their last game and they will be coming real hard at us and we have to back ourselves and go out there and get the job done.
On whether the loss to England as a setback:
It was not a major setback for us, obviously we wanted to win every game. We just have to look past that and try and rebound in the semi final against South Africa.
On how pleasing his hundred against England was:
The hundred was very pleasing. Whenever I get a start I try to bat on as long as possible and carry right through if I have to. The support from Bravo as well was very important because it took a lot of pressure off of me. Hopefully we can transform that form in this game as well.
On whether he has made adjustments to his batting in order to cope with the conditions:
I made some adjustments out in the middle, and it is working for me. There is a lot of difference in my batting now, I am just trying to play straight. When I get a start, I try to capitalize on it and not give it away. I am looking forward to the semi-final and hopefully we can transfer that form to this game as well.
I have not been paying any attention to my bowling really. I have always been focused on my batting. I am just a bowler who can come and just get the job done at times. I try to pay more attention to my batting.
On the long tour for the Windies:
It has been a long tour for us, from Malaysia and then the qualifying games. It has put us in the right frame of mind. We are playing a lot of cricket and the more cricket we play, the better for us. It?s been working for us so far and has done us well. We?ve been playing good One Day cricket over the past year as well, so it?s good.
On South Africa being a good fielding team:
South Africa is a very good fielding team with the likes of Jonty Rhodes coaching them. They have fielders such as (Herschelle) Gibbs and the others backing him up in the field. Our fielding is improving as well with the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Dwayne Smith and all the guys are capable of getting the job done in the outfield.