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
-
News
Chris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
News
Ravichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
News
Investigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
News
Jos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
News
England’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
News
Proteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
News
Smith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
News
England warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
News
Jack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.