We must not give in - Gayle

Chris Gayle is determined not to allow a resurgent England back into the series

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West Indies captain Chris Gayle believes his team are ready to add a positive chapter to their history against England this week.

Although it is five years since West Indies won a Test series - and even then a 1-0 victory over lowly Bangladesh - Gayle’s side are on the verge of altering that long-standing statistic.

Having romped to victory in Jamaica, and clung desperately to their lead in Antigua, West Indies have defied pre-series expectations.

“We are not accustomed to this kind of position over the last few years and this is an opportunity to try to build on it,” Gayle said ahead of the fourth Test in Bridgetown, which starts tomorrow, with the hosts one win away from wrapping up the series.

“We must try not to give in to England. Winning the series would be tremendous for the entire Caribbean. Playing England is always a fight and we look forward to more of it.

“There is no doubt at all, I actually believe we can pull it off. We have to come out running on the ground as this game can determine the series.”

England have a good record at the Kensington Oval - they won here in 1994 and 2004, and dominated the rain-affected draw in 1998 - and will also be well supported.

“It can feel like we are playing at Lord’s,” admitted Gayle. “We are at home but England feel like they’re at home as well, so it’s going to be tough.”

West Indies battled to a thrilling draw at the Antigua Recreation Ground by the narrowest of margins despite reacting badly to the chaos which preceded the match.

The scheduled second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was abandoned after just 10 balls due to an unfit outfield, forcing the authorities to move the game across the city at less than 48 hours’ notice.

“The change of venue, after the disaster at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, put us on the back foot,” recalled Gayle.

“It was a disadvantage for us but in the end we came out with a draw, which was very pleasing. We are still 1-0 up in the series and hopefully this game can count for us.”

West Indies are likely to retain the same XI which featured at the Antigua Recreation Ground, although Jerome Taylor’s presence was put into question when he returned alone after the home side’s nets today for what appeared to be a fitness test.