Port of Spain: The flamboyant Chris Gayle is unlikely to get a farewell Test match against India after being overlooked in the 13-strong West Indies squad for the two-Test series starting August 22 at North Sound in Antigua.
The only new face in the side is big-bodied spin bowling all-rounder from Leeward Islands Rahkeem Cornwall. The 26-year-old Cornwall weighs 140 kg and stands at 6 feet 6 inch. Gayle, who is just six weeks shy of his 40th birthday, had last played a Test match way back in 2014, against Bangladesh.
Gayle looked completely out of sorts during the opening ODI against India where he managed only 4 off 31 balls before being bowled by Kuldeep Yadav. Prior to the World Cup match against India in Manchester in June, Gayle expressed his desire to play one final Test match, preferably at his home ground Sabina Park in Kingston. However the West Indies selection committee headed by Robert Haynes decided otherwise In fact, former pace great Curtly Ambrose in an interview with the PTI had said that if Gayle is selected, it will be a step in backward direction. “If Chris Gayle wants to play an ODI series or a T20 series, well, that”s not a problem. In terms of Test matches for me is a no no,” Ambrose had said back then. “Gayle hasn’t played Test matches for five years. Bringing him back for one Test, I think, is a backward step.” the former fast bowler had added. (PTI)
