St John’s (Antigua): Having made peace with the West Indies Cricket Board, explosive batsman Chris Gayle today returned to the country’s Test side after more than 18 months.
Gayle has been named in the West Indies squad for the first Test against New Zealand starting on Wednesday.
Gayle last played Test cricket during the tour of Sri Lanka in December 2010. Also back in the squad is Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who missed the final Test against England due to a side strain.
The selectors have left out an injured Darren Bravo from the 13-man squad. Bravo sustained the injury during the England tour.
The first Test against New Zealand will be played in Antigua before the teams head to Jamaica for the second and final Test.
Gayle signs for Big Bash
The West Indian has also signed to play in Australia’s domestic Twenty20 competition for the Sydney Thunder, the team said on Monday.
Gayle is returning to the team where last season he smashed an unbeaten century off 54 deliveries, including 11 sixes, against Adelaide and who finished the competition with an average of 42 for the Thunder with 252 runs.
“After my experience last year, I always wanted to return,” said the West Indian who hit the most sixes in the Big Bash League last season with 22.
“I love Sydney, so I cannot wait to get amongst the guys again.”
The team also announced the signing of big-hitting Shahid Afridi.
Afridi played in the inaugural BBL last year with the Melbourne Renegades, finishing among the league’s top 10 wicket-takers and posting a respectable average of 23 with the bat. (Agencies)
