Gayle remains hopeful ahead of 1st Test
West Indies captain Chris Gayle has resumed training and is hoping to be fit to play in the first Test match against South Africa at Sahara Oval in Port Elizabeth next week.
The tall left-hander returned to the nets earlier this week and has been batting daily with his eyes set on leading the team when the Test series bowls off on Wednesday, December 26 (Boxing Day). Gayle has also resumed catching, running and stretching exercises and continues to receive treatment from the team's fitness specialists.He has been out of the game since December 2 when he injured his right hamstring in the second One-Day International against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.
"I've been getting better and I'm really looking forward to playing in Port Elizabeth. I really want to be back out there in the middle and doing the job for the West Indies team," Gayle said. "Physically I'm feeling strong again and mentally I'm there. I have been doing work in the nets and trying to get back in the groove again."Further assessments will be done in the coming days and a decision will be made on the eve of the first Test. Gayle admitted that it would be unwise to rush back into the middle too soon.
"I realise that I have to be patient and if I come back too soon and it hasn't healed fully I could do more harm than good," he said.