Gayle in line for first Test return

The West Indies have received a major boost with Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, due to fly back to Australia in time for Thursday's first Test. Gayle will leave the Caribbean on Monday after his mother was allowed to leave hospital following a serious heart problem.

Gayle went home to Jamaica before the tour match last week to be with her and will face a disrupted preparation. He is due to land in Brisbane just a day before the three-game series begins.

The news is still a huge help to the West Indies, who are rebuilding following a players' strike and need another senior player to support Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the batting order. Gayle has been twittering while in the Caribbean and his last post confirmed his mother was fine. "As I tweet doc call an say she can leave tonight even better, just want to thank everyone for prayers an support an best wishes."

A West Indies team spokesman said: "Chris will rejoin the team so clearly that's good news for everyone. We are happy his mum is doing well."