Gayle to watch from the stands again

Former captain left out of squad for third ODI against India.

ST JOHN’S:

Former captain Chris Gayle was overlooked again by West Indies selectors when the squad was announced for today’s third One-Day International (ODI) against India.

Despite West Indies having lost the first two matches, Gayle was still missing from the 13-man list as his high-profile dispute with officials from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) goes on. Gayle was dropped for the recent home series against Pakistan, a decision that left him free to play in the entire Indian Premier League with Bangalore.

Despite Gayle finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer, the WICB have insisted that the big-hitting batsman will not be recalled until he explains comments he gave in a radio interview in which he lambasted selectors.

“The WICB and the West Indies team management have not yet met Gayle and as such he has not been considered for selection for the 3rd ODI,” read a WICB statement. “We are working on settling a date for the meeting.”

There are two changes to the squad that was selected for the first two ODIs. Dwayne Bravo’s request to be rested has been granted with Jamaica’s Danza Hyatt, who played in the one-off Twenty20 against India, selected in his place. Fast-bowler Ravi Rampaul has also been rested for the Antigua leg of the five-match ODI series. Kemar Roach has returned to the squad to replace Rampaul.

India set for series-win

While West Indies face selection issues, they also have to halt the World champions’ winning run ahead of the third ODI today. India, already up 2-0, have found the going easy after they won the one-off Twenty20 and faced little problem in seeing off the hosts in the first two ODIs.

India’s stand-in captain Suresh Raina said the team had done well and it was important to continue the momentum.

“I think it is very important for us to keep things simple, especially for the next three games we play here. We know we had to do well, and when you are playing 50 overs-a-side games, you have to know your strengths, and then you can play your natural game, and enjoy yourself.”

India say no to UDRS for England tour

Meanwhile, India’s upcoming tour of England will be without the aid of the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) after the country’s board told their counterparts that they were unwilling to use the technology.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India took a strong stance after its players were not in favour of the UDRS and while England was in favour for the use, the technology can only be relied on  and used after both boards have reached a unanimous agreement.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2011.