Gayle, Samuels to fly in for ODI series vs England
London, Aug. 22: Explosive West Indies opener Chris Gayle is set to play his first one-day international in two years after being recalled to the squad for the series with England.
The 37-year-old — who has racked up 9,221 runs in 269 ODIs — returns along with fellow veterans Marlon Samuels and Jerome Taylor to add much-needed class to the squad.
The once dominant West Indies are under fire form all sides after their Test team’s abject performance in the first Test defeat — by an innings and 209 runs — against England inside three days at the weekend.
England also beat them 3-0 in an ODI series in the Caribbean earlier this year, although neither Gayle or Samuels were in the side.
Gayle — who holds the world record for the highest individual Twenty20 score, an unbeaten 175 off 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2013 Indian Premier League — Samuels and Taylor have returned after making peace with Cricket West Indies, after disputes largely over money.
“With regards to the selection of the ODI squad, the panel welcomes back Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels — who will both add value to our batting and help with the nurturing of the young batsmen in the team,” read a statement from the selection panel chairman Courtney Browne.
However, the likes of offspinner Sunil Narine and batsman Darren Bravo have not agreed to return to the fold.
“Both Sunil Narine and Darren Bravo have declined to be considered for ODIs in England,” said Browne.
“Narine has, however, confirmed his desire to play 50-over cricket again but has asked to play in our Regional Super50 before he is considered,” added Browne.