Australians are beatable, says Gayle
The West Indies captain has said he is fully motivated for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia
Cricinfo staff
03-Feb-2010
"It will be a challenging tour but I know we are capable of winning." • Getty Images
West Indies captain Chris Gayle has said he is fully motivated for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia. It's been a over a month since West Indies returned home after being beaten 2-0 in the three Test series in Australia, but Gayle stayed behind to represent Queensland Bulls in the Twenty20 Big Bash. However, he said he was focused on coming out trumps in the five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals.
"I am feeling really good. I'm happy to be back in the groove and representing the West Indies," Gayle told CMC. "We are without two key batsmen, Shiv [Chanderpaul] and [Ramnaresh] Sarwan but this is a chance for other players to grab the opportunity and make a name. It will be a challenging tour but I know we are capable of winning."
With injuries also sidelining bowlers Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor, West Indies have been forced to turn to more untested players. Fast bowler Kemar Roach has played just seven ODIs, while fellow seamer Ravi Rampaul has played 36 games over a six-year span. Another paceman Gavin Tonge has managed just five.
However, Gayle believed the unit possessed enough quality and backed them to perform against the in-form Australians. "The Aussies are a good team and they played well against Pakistan, but they are beatable," he said. "We have been watching the series and we have seen what the Australians have to offer.
"On our side we have a lot to offer. We have depth, and we have players who are capable match-winners. Everyone knows what is required."
West Indies have just one warm-up match before the series kicks off in Melbourne on Sunday and Gayle said the team was taking the tour game, against a Matthew Hayden-led Prime Minister's XI at Manuka Oval tomorrow, very seriously.
"We know the Aussies will come hard against us and we know we have to be on the money," Gayle said. "We need a good start and we will be looking to start well against the Prime Minister's XI. This will be a very serious game for us. We want a solid start and we want all the players to be in the right frame of mind when we take to the field on Thursday."