Gayle back for ODI series

Opening batsman Chris Gayle will play in the Natwest limited-overs series against England but has been ruled out of the final Investec Test to be played from June 7-11 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Gayle will not play in the final Test, despite calls for his inclusion, due to the West Indies Cricket Board insisting on a meeting with the Jamaican to discuss “residual matters” on Sunday.

Gayle has made himself available for West Indies selection after meeting all the demands of the WICB but the latest meeting is another twist to his saga. A reliable source close to the matter explained that the possibility of Gayle playing against England in the final Test is “highly unlikely” because nobody is sure what are the “residual matters” that needs to be discussed.

The source indicated that there is disunity among WICB executive members who are opposed to Gayle’s return to the West Indies team, with a faction adamant on using the restraint of trade dispute as a negotiating tool against the Jamaican. The source said, “Several requests were made to clarify what are the residual matters that Chris must discuss, but nobody from the WICB can state what these matters are.”

Gayle relinquished his lucrative contract with Somerset Sabres estimated at 150,000 pounds to compete in the Friend’s Life t20 tournament in order to be available for the England series. With the West Indies top order struggling in England, there have been calls for the inclusion of experienced players such as Ramnaresh Sarwan and Gayle who have been in good form in English and Indian leagues respectively.

West Indies legend, Michael Holding batted for Gayle and Sarwan as well as other senior players who are being sidelined by the Board. “He (Gayle) is available, yet the WICB are still putting out press releases saying there are residual matters to be dealt with. What residual matters? It is supposed to be cleared (up), so what residual matter is there now?” Holding told the Jamaica-based SportsMax Cable network. “People responsible for West Indies cricket do not want Chris Gayle in the team.”

Holding felt that Sarwan would not be available for West Indies duty after the treatment he received from the WICB. “The man is happy,” Holding said. “He is making runs, yes, and he should be in the West Indies team, but he personally is happy where he is.”

The former West Indies pacer was critical of Chief Executive Officer, Ernest Hilaire who he felt does not have the right attitude for the job.

Holding had scathing words for the treatment of pacer Jerome Taylor who was informed via a press release that he must complete a full season of first-class cricket to be considered for West Indies selection. “That is the bad handling I’m talking about. Instead of that press release, why not just say, Jerome, we’re not satisfied with your fitness levels. They want to get rid of him, because that is their foolish way.”