West Indies skipper Sammy says destructive opener Gayle is integral part of team

Sport360 staff 09:39 09/03/2016
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  • West Indies skipper Sammy said Gayle (r) is an important figure for the players.

    Gayle was branded a sexist after trying to flirt with an Australian TV presenter live on air in January during the Big Bash League and some Caribbean fans are unhappy he is often unavailable for national duty but then plays in big money Twenty20 tournaments.

    But in a press conference after his team’s arrival in India, Sammy said the 36-year-old Jamaican was admired by his teammates for his behaviour on and off the field.

    “Chris is a massive figure for us, not only on the cricket field but off the field as well,” Sammy said in Kolkata.

    “To me he is the best T20 batsman, the most destructive one in this game so he knows his game inside out.”

    Like several other West Indies players, Gayle has become accustomed to playing T20 cricket in Indian conditions after appearing regularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    He racked up the highest ever score in T20s while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL three years ago, hitting an unbeaten 175 off 66 balls.

    While the West Indies dominated Test cricket in the 1980s, they are now one of the weakest teams in the five-day game. But they remain a force in the shortest format, winning the World T20 in 2012.

    The West Indies’ last visit to India ended in acrimony when the team flew back to the Caribbean in the middle of a tour after a bust-up over pay.

    Another pay dispute last month cast a doubt over their appearance at the World T20 and while the row has since been resolved, relations between players and board remain strained.

    To make matters worse, all-rounder Kieron Pollard and off-spinner Sunil Narine both withdrew from the World T20. Narine’s absence is a particular blow as he has been one of the standouts in the IPL but he pulled out as he felt under-prepared after serving a suspension for a suspect action.

    However, Sammy insisted all the off-field problems would be put behind them.

    “Once you step out on the cricket field you shouldn’t be worried about contracts or other stuff.

    “At the end of the day we are professionals and right now is the time to focus on cricket,” he said.

    “It’s always difficult to replace someone like Narine but we believe the players in the team could still come and get the job done for us.”

    Meanwhile, West Indies have called up left-handed batsman Evin Lewis to replace the injured Lendl Simmons in their squad.

    The 24-year-old Lewis, who has yet to play an international match in any format, averages over 30 from 35 domestic Twenty20 matches, with one century.

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