“I’m actually out of the Test series, the back won’t hold up for that format at this point in time”
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While West Indies opener Chris Gayle has not retired from any format of the game, he has confirmed that he will miss the upcoming three-Test series against England due to his back issues.
Gayle has just come off a highly successful World Cup campaign as he scored 340 runs, which included a career-high 215, at a sensational average of 56.66.
“Definitely want to play the T20 World Cup next year for West Indies, there’s no doubt about that,” Gayle told ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve got a few concerns and a few injury [cases] to try and solve. I’ll give myself some time and hopefully look back at it and see how well I can actually progress for West Indies cricket at this point in time.
“I’m actually out of the Test series, the back won’t hold up for that format at this point in time. But I haven’t retired from any format as yet. As I go on I will keep informing WICB about my progress in the future with West Indies cricket.”
Despite scoring 61 runs off 33 balls, which included two boundaries and eight sixes, in the quarter-final against New Zealand, the West Indies ended up losing the match by 143 runs.
Gayle admitted that his back didn’t cause him too much trouble during the match, but added that he did suffer a groin strain.
“[The back] actually held up well, to be honest with you, in the outfield for 50 overs and then opening the batting,” he said. “It wasn’t too bad, slight scare again with a niggle in the groin, so all that was happening, and you have to take the conditions into consideration, it was a bit cold and you’re feeling some pain.”
With the West Indies’ World Cup campaign having come to an end, Gayle is now looking forward to working with new head coach Phil Simmons.
“I know Phil from a personal point of view, I know him well,” Gayle said. “He’s a good man, he has done well with Ireland and he’s one of us as well, so there’s no doubt about it. We know how we can actually become a stronger unit.
“I didn’t know he was appointed, so that’s news to me at this point in time, so I wish him all the best and hopefully he’ll have a successful coaching career with West Indies and can uplift West Indies cricket and take us further in international cricket and help the Regional [Tournament] as well.”