Special Gayle lives life in the fast lane

Chris Gayle had the perfect answer to all the ‘know-alls’ who were questioning his place in the West Indies team. The answer devastated poor Zimbabwe as they were clobbered to all parts of the ground as Gayle set record after record.

If that doesn’t shut up the doubters, nothing will. Of course, there will be the eternal ones who will suggest that he got it against Zimbabwe’s not-too-fancied attack, but then how come nobody else had done it against the same attack before? Gayle belongs to the old school of West Indies cricket, who live life in the fast lane and by their own rules. It is therefore tough for such people to always conform to the ways of a team structure and processes. He is, therefore, an easy target for the anonymous ‘knowalls’ who, if they were better occupied, would have been doing something productive in life rather than being destructive about one of the greatest entertainers the sport has ever seen. He is definitely special and special people need to be treated separately, even in a team environment.

West Indies have won two games on the trot after being surprised by Ireland in their first game. On Friday they play pre-tournament favourites South Africa, who will be looking to get back to winning ways after the drubbing from India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The men from the Caribbean will be worried about their bowling as they allowed Zimbabwe to get to 280 in their reply. That is simply not good enough against a team like South Africa with the batting line-up that they have. The discipline that the bowling needs is simply not there and it keeps leaking runs. But they did bowl well against Pakistan on a helpful pitch and, if they can replicate that performance, then they will be well served.

South Africa have the task of lifting themselves up off the floor and will be wary of the unpredictable Caribbean boys. They know that they need to raise not just their game but the net run-rate as well and so will be looking to come on strong against Gayle and company. With Vernon Philander ruled out with the hamstring injury, the Proteas will be one bowler short and whether they will replace him with a seamer or a batsman remains to be seen. Whatever they do, they have to win and win big.