Bravo calls the shots

Dwayne Bravo © Getty Images

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All-rounder Dwayne Bravo will take charge of West Indies for the third and final Test against South Africa after captain Chris Gayle was ruled out by injury.

Gayle suffered a broken thumb in the second Test in Cape Town, which the Proteas won to level the series at 1-1.

No decision has yet been made on fast bowler Fidel Edwards, who picked up a hamstring problem in the same game.

“I'm definitely out of the final and deciding Test match,” Gayle said.

“I'm not sure about Fidel though. I hope he can play because having him is a significant advantage for us.”

The tourists have not called up a replacement for Gayle, but Bravo, 24, will call the shots for the deciding match in Durban, which begins on Thursday.

Gayle believes his side can win the series, despite their injury problems.

“I strongly believe that we can still beat South Africa - the number two team in Test cricket - but we will have to put Cape Town behind us and get back to the high standard which we set in Port Elizabeth.

“We will have to fight even harder and give an improved performance with the bat if we are to pull off what would be a magnificent series success.

“It will be frustrating for me to be on the sidelines but that's life. I will still be supporting the guys and giving them all the advice which I can. I really hope we can win and give fans even more reason to believe in us.”

West Indies’ win in Port Elizabeth was their first in Test cricket for nearly three years.