Gayle hoping for timely ton against India
West Indies opener Chris Gayle feels the World Twenty20 semi-final against India on Thursday will be the perfect chance for him to stamp his authority on the tournament after injury.
Gayle scored a century in his side's opening match win against England, but was then out of commission with a hamstring injury. He didn't play in their final group match, a defeat to Afghanistan.
Gayle said on Tuesday: "This is a perfect opportunity to actually start the tournament and try and pick up where I left off, get a big one for the team and put them in a winning position."
When Gayle was unable to bat against Sri Lanka, Andre Fletcher stepped in and scored 84, while the rest of the team has done well in general, despite entering the event in poor form.
Gayle felt that there was enough depth in the Windies squad to make up for his absence, which explained how they advanced to the next round ahead of the likes of South Africa and defending champs Sri Lanka.
He added: "That goes to show the strength of West Indies cricket back home. The guys who actually replaced the first picks, someone like Carlos Brathwaite, he won us the game against South Africa … and the bench is still strong enough."
As for the match against India, Gayle said fellow Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Virat Kohli would be the danger man, especially after his half ton against Australia in India's most recent match.
Gayle said of Kohli: "I have said it over the years he is going to be the world-beater he is today.
"He has been fantastic right through the year. He has been in a great form. He can still get runs but in a losing cause. We'll be happy with that as well."
Latest
-
NewsKevin Pietersen hopes a break from the action benefits Ben Stokes
The 30-year-old England all-rounder is prioritising his mental health.
-
NewsBen Stokes taking break from cricket for mental health reasons
The 30-year-old all-rounder will play no part in the forthcoming Test series against India.
-
NewsECB putting player welfare first as coronavirus hampers Ashes travel plans
Talks with Cricket Australia over travel arrangements are set to take place during the coming weeks.
-
NewsNat Sciver and fiancee Katherine Brunt hoping to help others ‘be themselves’
The England internationals began dating in 2017 and were engaged around 18 months later.
-
NewsECB to support Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign from July 30 to August 1
Players in the Royal London One-Day Cup and The Hundred will wear rainbow laces, while the stumps across both competitions will be rainbow-branded.
-
NewsJack Haynes and Brett D’Oliveira star as Worcestershire thrash Essex
The openers enjoyed a partnership of 243 runs for the visitors.
-
NewsDom Bess in ‘good place’ and feels ready to play Test cricket without pressure
The spinner is ready to deliver if involved in the upcoming series and is excited for the Ashes too.
-
NewsOn this day in 2003: Nasser Hussain stands down as England Test captain
Hussain said he felt “tired and stale” and wanted to focus on his batting.
-
NewsWorcestershire make it two in a row with 11-run victory over Gloucestershire
Opener Jack Haynes led the way with 59 off 61 balls with seven fours and a six.
-
NewsTom Westley and Essex have their sights set on Royal London Cup silverware
Essex, who won the domestic Twenty20 competition in 2019, have only two players in The Hundred.