Series at 1-1
July 3, 2009 -- West Indies captain Chris Gayle says that he is expecting a high
scoring Third Digicel One Day International in St Lucia on Friday since
the venue always favours batsmen.
"It will be a good competitive game, similar to the First Digicel ODI
at Sabina Park. St Lucia is always a good wicket and I expect a lot of
runs to be scored on this wicket," Gayle told reporters at the
Beausejour Cricket Ground on Thursday afternoon shortly after the West
Indies training session.
The imposing left hander also pointed out that the game takes on added
importance as whichever team prevails ensures that they will not lose
the four match Digicel Series which is now even at 1-1 after the first
two games at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
"Whichever team wins tomorrow cannot lose the Digicel Series so it is a
very important game," Gayle asserted while noting that India cannot be
underestimated under any circumstances as they are a world class team
in every regard.
Gayle said that he was very satisfied with the performance of the
playing eleven in the Second Digicel ODI which the home side
comprehensively won by eight wickets and hinted that there is unlikely
to be any change to that side for the upcoming game.
And the West Indies captain was lavish in his praise for his newest
opening partner, Nevisian batsman Runako Morton who scored 85 not out
to follow his 42 in the First Digicel ODI.
"Morton is a very determined player. He might look ugly (when he bats)
but Runako is the sort of player to always be among the runs, he's a
steady batter," Gayle said in a clear vote of confidence for the 30
year-old right hander.
"We have good communication out there which is very good and we can
assess the conditions as quickly as possible and make the necessary
adjustments. I want him to play his game and I will support him at the
other end," Gayle explained.
In speaking about the batting line up of the Indian side Gayle said
that the dangerous Yuvraj Singh, who scored a belligerent century in
the First Digicel ODI, is a major worry.
"Yuvraj, on any given day, can destroy any bowling attack. When he is
in that sort of mood (as he was in the First Digicel ODI) he is very
difficult to bowl to," Gayle acknowledged.
"We have to try and contain him as much as possible but at the same
time he's experienced and has a lot of power and he is definitely the
main batter in this Indian team," Gayle asserted.
And while there has been some disquiet among St Lucians at the
non-selection of local all rounder, Darren Sammy, Gayle rubbished any
suggestions that there were any off the field issues with Sammy, saying
that he has great confidence in the player who he regards as a friend.
"Darren Sammy will be back. It was a 50-50 call (to leave him out).
There will be more open windows for Darren Sammy in the future because
he is a strong player and I'm sure he will be back again," Gaye said of
Sammy who is the only male St Lucian to have worn West Indian colours.