The belligerent left-hander holds the key to his team’s batting success and Australian captain George Bailey said it was important not to let Gayle settle down at the crease.
“Their batting is no doubt their strength,” said Bailey. “If you can knock Gayle over early it really does put pressure on the rest of their batsmen.”
Gayle hit 54 to help West Indies to 191 for eight against Australia in the preliminary league, before Shane Watson scored a 21-ball 41 to steer his team home via the Duckworth-Lewis method in the rain-affected match. Bailey, smarting against the unexpected 32-run defeat by Pakistan on Tuesday, wanted an aggressive attitude by his team against the West Indies bowlers - even if it costs Australia a place in the final.
“I’d rather see us throw caution to the wind. If we get knocked over, we get knocked over,” said Bailey while hinting that David Hussey could be back for the semi-final in place of Glenn Maxwell.
Australia’s four wins in five matches so far have been made easier by a sensational all-round display by Shane Watson, who has scored 242 runs and taken 11 wickets.
The West Indies have just two wins from five matches and need to lift their game if they are to stop Australia from making their second successive World Twenty20 final. Skipper Darren Sammy insisted his team’s success did not hinge on Gayle alone.
“It’s not only about Chris,” said Sammy. “Obviously he sets the momentum for us at the top of the order. But to win the game, it will need a total team effort. In any cricket match, you get one individual doing something brilliant. But it will take a collective effort to win the semi-final.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2012.
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