“Next year hopefully Test cricket is on the agenda”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Flamboyant West Indies opener Chris Gayle has revealed that he plans to make his Test comeback in 2016 as he has yet to make a full recovery from back surgery.

Gayle, who played his last Test match against Bangladesh in September 2014, has come under heavy criticism as he will feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) even though his compatriots are currently involved in a three-match Test series against Australia.

“There’s no way I could have actually been part of that Test team (in Hobart), I’m just coming back off injury,” he said. “I haven’t retired from the game. Next year hopefully Test cricket is on the agenda.

“I haven’t batted for such a long time. I scored 92 in a game and the next day felt like I’d been hit by a bus. The body will actually take time to build up gradually.”

The West Indies have come under fire after they were defeated in less than three days in the first Test against Australia in Hobart. However, Gayle came to his side’s defence, saying that the team is filled with youngsters and added that it will take time for them to get accustomed to the hardships of international cricket.

“It’s a young team, so we have to definitely give it time rather than be so harsh on West Indies cricket all the time,” Gayle said. “You have to give us time … it won’t happen overnight. It kind of reminded me how we used to be dominant against Australia and it’s vice versa now. Fingers crossed they can actually turn the tables.”