Chanderpaul praises Gayle's leadership

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has praised West Indies captain Chris Gayle and said that his relaxed way of doing things has had a good influence on the players.

"He [Gayle] is also not one who does things behind anyone's back," Chanderpaul told the supercricket website.

"He made it clear that there should be camaraderie in the team and that everyone would be treated at the same level.

"Under his captaincy, all the cards are laid on the table. If anyone has a problem, he is free to discuss it. Things are not done behind doors and are not bottled up."

Gayle was appointed captain for the one-day series in England where he led West Indies to a 2-1 series win against the hosts after they had lost 3-0 in the Tests.

"You know you can take the liberty to talk to him," Chanderpaul said. "He will listen and try to find a solution. This is something the players appreciate because they don't have to mope about things that itch.

"There is certainly a more relaxed atmosphere in the team, which also works in favour of the cricket we play."

Gayle missed the last three ODIs against Zimbabwe because of a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit for the first Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth which starts on December 26.