Chris Gayle not yet retired, eyes Jamaica swansong
West Indies veteran Chris Gayle maintained he has not yet retired from the game even though the defending champions have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup.
The Caribbean side were already out of contention prior to Saturday’s eight-wicket defeat to Australia, where Gayle made a nine-ball 15.
However, the powerful left-hander is adamant he has not retired like Dwayne Bravo, who confirmed he will no longer be available for selection prior to Saturday’s match.
“Well, I was just trying to enjoy the last World Cup. It’s a very disappointing World Cup for me, for me personally as well,” the 42-year-old told the media after the match.
“It’s probably my worst World Cup. But these things do happen. But you know, it’s sad that it came at the backend of my career.
“But like I said, we still have a lot of great talent coming up in West Indies cricket.
“I know we have a legend leaving the game, DJ Bravo. But I was just having some fun, interacting with the crowd, it was going to be the last World Cup game.”
‘I didn’t announce any retirement’
The big-hitting opener has a remarkable record in cricket’s shortest format, with 14,321 runs in 453 T20 games, at an average of 36.44.
Having made his T20 international debut in 2006, he currently has 1,899 runs and two centuries in international T20s, while featuring for the side in 103 Tests and 301 ODIs.
Whilst conceding his days playing at World Cups are over, he is hopeful of getting one last chance to bat in front of his home fans in Jamaica.
“I didn’t announce any retirement but [if] they actually give me one game in Jamaica to go in front of my home crowd, then I can say ‘hey guys, thank you so much,” he continued.
“Well, I would love to play one more World Cup. But I don’t think they will allow me, and I’ve been through a lot of struggles. But I’ve had a phenomenal career.
“I want to give thanks to actually be standing here today, aged 42 still going strong. I’ve shed blood, I’ve shed tears in West Indies cricket, you name it, one leg, one hand.”
Latest
-
AustraliaScott Boland edges Michael Neser for place in Australia XI for WTC against India
Josh Hazlewood’s side injury left Boland and Neser fighting for the final pace attack spot, and captain Pat Cummins did not leave the pair waiting.
-
The AshesMoeen Ali may be ready to answer England’s call
Jack Leach’s injury could mean the 35-year-old reverses his retirement from Test cricket.
-
The AshesI feel like a different player – Ollie Pope has Ashes warning for Australia
Pope provided an insight into his role as Ben Stokes’ official number two amid concerns over the captain’s fitness.
-
County CricketColin Graves ends bid to return as Yorkshire chair
The club accused Graves of “a distinct lack of understanding” of their financial position and county governance requirements.
-
The AshesSteve Smith: Jack Leach will leave big shoes to fill for England in the Ashes
Leach will not face Australia due to a back injury.
-
The AshesThe spinners England could turn to after losing injured Jack Leach for Ashes
Leach will play no part in this summer’s clashes with Australia due to a back injury.
-
EnglandJosh Tongue proud of England debut and thriving in ‘no-pressure’ environment
The Worcestershire seamer took five for 66 in Ireland’s second innings at Lord’s.
-
T20 BlastMatt Henry and Ben Green help Somerset keep perfect record
Umpire Sue Redfern wrote her name into the history books when she became the first female to officiate on-field in a Blast fixture.
-
T20 BlastUmpire Sue Redfern makes Blast history as Gloucestershire brush aside Middlesex
Redfern is the first female umpire to officiate on-field in a Vitality Blast fixture.
-
The AshesJoe Root cannot wait to perform in Ashes without burden of captaincy
Root has skippered England in the past three Ashes series, but hit 460 runs without the captaincy in 2015.