Chris Gayle last played Test cricket in 2014
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
West Indies opener Chris Gayle has revealed that he is aiming to start playing Test cricket again next year.
Gayle has not featured in the longest format since September 2014, but will be making his ODI comeback this week as his last 50-over match came during the 2015 World Cup.
Gayle’s return to the ODI squad comes after Cricket West Indies offered an amnesty to the high-profile players in the Caribbean as the board wants the national team to automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup.
However, the West Indies’ window to do so is closing fast as they need to move one spot up the rankings to eighth place by September 30 in order to book their spot at the World Cup. If they fail to do so, they will have to take part in a qualifying tournament.
“Maybe next year I’ll try to take that challenge up. I’ll see what happens,” the 37-year-old told Sky Sports when asked if he planned to play Test cricket again. “I still have my fun but I am looking after my body and getting some sleep as well.”
Gayle admitted that while he has been part of the West Indies’ World Twenty20 triumphs in 2012 and 2016, his main goal before retiring is to win the 50-over World Cup.
“To win a World Cup, that’s what I’m looking forward to,” he said. “It will be tough to beat England in England but if we take the longer route [to get to the World Cup] so be it.”
Meanwhile, Gayle was proud of the West Indies’ fighting spirit throughout their recent three-Test series against England.
After being demolished in the first Test at Edgbaston, the West Indies bounced back with a historic win at Headingley. However, they were unable to go on and win the series as they succumbed to a nine-wicket loss in the third Test at Lord’s.
“Everyone wrote us off after the first Test and said it was going to be a whitewash,” Gayle said. “But the guys came back strong in the second Test. The third Test was competitive as well – the guys really put up a fight.
“The young players will need time but playing well in England will hopefully boost their confidence and encourage them to do well for West Indies. Test cricket can boost your character.”