OPENING batsman Chris Gayle will play in the NatWest limited-overs series against England but has been ruled out of the final Investec Test to be played from June 7 to 11 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Gayle will not play in the final Test, despite calls for his inclusion, due to the West Indies Cricket Board insisting on a meeting with the Jamaican to discuss “residual matters” tomorrow
Gayle has made himself available for West Indies selection after meeting all the demands of the WICB but the latest meeting is another twist to his saga.
A reliable source close to the matter explained that the possibility of Gayle playing against England in the final Test is “highly unlikely” because nobody is sure what are the “residual matters” that need to be discussed.
The source indicated that there is disunity among WICB executive members who are opposed to Gayle’s return to the West Indies team, with a faction adamant on using the restraint of trade dispute as a negotiating tool against the Jamaican.
The source said, “Several requests were made to clarify what are the residual matters that Chris must discuss, but nobody from the WICB can state what these matters are.” (WICRICNEWS)