Tough times for Windies

6 July 2007

Chris Gayle is keen for his young squad to learn from the experiences of this summer

Chris Gayle believes West Indies have been on “a learning curve” in England this summer, which will stand them in good stead for the future.

The Windies were beaten 3-0 in the npower Test series but have the chance to partially redeem themselves if they overcome Paul Collingwood’s side in Saturday’s NatWest Series decider at Trent Bridge.

The sides are locked at 1-1 after the tourists’ convincing performance in drawing level with England at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Gayle said: “This tour has been a big learning curve - because in the future the players may tour again, and the same situations they have had to confront on this tour may occur again.

“For example, the weather has not been good for most of the time. It has been really hard for the entire summer. It has meant we have had to use indoor facilities mainly - and as a player, you want as much outdoor practice as possible.

“There is nothing we can do about it except try and deal with the situation. At least we will know how to deal with it and other things mentally and prepare ourselves even better the next time.”

Shivnarine Chanderpaul is hoping to be fit for Saturday

Gayle is calling for his players to reproduce the form shown in Birmingham - and he is keeping his fingers crossed star batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul can defy an ankle ligament injury.

He said: “We played good all-round cricket at Edgbaston. Everything came together in all departments in that game. That is what I asked for from the boys.

“We had a chat the night before. We knew it was massive for us, an opportunity to rally back at England. I said to the boys ‘We can’t turn back now; we have to give it our all’ - and it really paid off.

“We battled and bowled well, and I hope we can put in an ever better performance at Trent Bridge.

“We wanted to regain our pride after the Test series, and it will be tremendous for us to win the one-day series - especially after losing the first game.

“That is something we are looking forward to, and we are relishing the challenge.”

Chanderpaul scored an unbeaten 53 at Lord’s and 116 not out at Edgbaston, but the ankle injury meant he could not field during England’s reply.
Gayle said: “Shiv is our in-form batter - and yes, we rely on him a lot. So we hope he can carry the guys that play around him.

“He is one of the best batsmen in the world; you have to give him credit, because he has done the business in the past - and he is doing it again right now.

“Shiv can destroy any attack whenever he wants, and we just hope he is fit for Saturday.”