Experts back Gayle's appointment
With Ramanaresh Sarwan sidelined through injury, Jamaican Chris Gayle is the "logical choice" to be captain of the West Indies
20-Nov-2007
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Jumadeen, the former spinner, said Gayle got the best out of his charges in his successful stint at the helm for the ODI matches in England earlier this year "Let's face it, when Gayle took over back in England, the players responded to him very well and he did a wonderful job," stated Jumadeen. "So I say, let's give him a chance and see if he has the mettle to lead the team in the longer version. He is the best bet at this time."
Carew, a former opening batsman and Windies selector, said it was good to see some competition for the highest leadership post on the playing field. "After Sarwan's injury, he [Gayle] assumes the succession. Gayle had a successful ODI tournament so it is no surprise that he is given the mantle of responsibility now," Carew commented. "I would like to see now how he does in the longer version ... rather than the ODIs where it is a different game entirely. At least now, we have some leadership competition because [Trinidad and Tobago captain] Daren Ganga is still uppermost in my mind and I believe he still must be in the reckoning."
Former West Indies wicketkeeper and vice-captain Murray, although following the logic of Gayle's selection, was of the view that Ganga is the best available option. "I suppose Gayle had a stint with the team and was successful in the tournament in England and I presume the selectors thought that he would be a good choice ... it would provide some sort of continuity, so I hope that will work," Murray suggested. "But I would certainly say Ganga, in terms of his leadership and captaincy, is head and shoulders above every other in the Caribbean at the moment and I believe Daren has a role to play in the future of West Indies cricket."