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Gayle targets third world T20 title

Published:Tuesday | March 2, 2021 | 12:19 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
Gayle
Gayle

Veteran Jamaica and West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has his eyes firmly set on the ICC T20 World Cup later this year, as the regional side gets ready to face Sri Lanka in three T20 Internationals in Antigua, starting tomorrow.

The 41-year-old Gayle, who will be making an international return after two years out, says he is mentally and physically prepared for the current assignment. However, the T20 World Cup in India later this year is one of his main aims, with ambitions of securing a third silverware at the global showpiece.

“I want to start by winning this series, but the bigger picture is actually to get three T20 titles under my belt, so that’s the goal I am setting,” said Gayle.

Gayle’s last T20 assignment for the West Indies was back in 2019 in St Kitts against England, but the self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ has not been short on match action, as the left-hander just recently scored 68 runs for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League that is currently underway.

EAGER TO PLAY

Gayle says he is eager to once again get back into West Indies colours to take part in what will be his 472nd T20 match.

“It’s the desire I have and I am still performing as well. Sometimes back then, I thought about walking away from the game, but then persons would say, don’t do it, stay and play as long as possible, so I decided I will continue playing the game of cricket,” added Gayle.

Head coach Phil Simmons alluded to the fact that he will be using this and other series, to put together a final nucleus of players with the T20 World Cup in mind, and with four known opening batters in this T20 squad, Gayle says he is willing to fit into whatever role the coach sees fit.

“I am pretty much open. If it’s opening the batting, I am ready. If it’s number three or even five, I am pretty much flexible. Whatever role they want me to play, I am willing to play that particular role. I will still be the best number five or three in the world,” Gayle added.

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