“Viv was strong but this boy has got tremendous power and hits the ball a long way from pace or spin”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

West Indies chief selector Clive Lloyd has lauded opening batsman Chris Gayle after he became the first non-Indian batsman to score an ODI double century.

Gayle smashed the fastest double century in ODI history during his side’s 73-run win over Zimbabwe in Canberra.

“He has very good strength and he times the ball quite well,” Lloyd, who led the West Indies to World Cup glory in 1975 and 1979, said. “He’s a very strong boy. Viv was strong but this boy has got tremendous power and hits the ball a long way from pace or spin. Viv was just as good in the sense that he was strong too but Gayle has got exceptional strength.

“It was a terrific innings and we’ve come to expect such great innings from Chris Gayle. He’s done it in Twenty20s and now he’s done it in 50 overs. His body is not as strong as it used to be but [it’s great to] have somebody who is still not fully fit making 200 runs in a 50-over game.

“We’re quite happy he’s back to form and I hope he continues. Chris has been a tower of strength for us and when he wasn’t getting the scores people were calling [for him to be dropped]. But, my mother always said good cream comes to the top all the time.”