Assistant coach Roddy Estwick said Chris Gayle’s recent struggles with the bat have not diminished his status as a West Indian great capable of great things at the Twenty20 World Cup.
The recent struggles of Chris Gayle with the bat haven’t diminished his status as a West Indian legend capable of great things at the Twenty20 World Cup, according to assistant coach Roddy Estwick on Monday. Since turning 42, the self-proclaimed “Universe Boss” has batted at number three instead of opening for his franchise and country. However, the outcomes were unimpressive. He has a strike rate of 138.81 and an average of just under 30 in the T20 format, but after losing a wicket, his average has dropped to 19.
“Chris has a lot of experience,” Estwick told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s Super 12 match in Dubai against South Africa.
“Many teams prefer to use their spinners to bowl their fastballs and long balls. The third spot gives him a chance to face the spin attack, which we thought was important.”
His team lost to England by a score of 55 all out, with Gayle leading the way with 13 points.
Estwick believes his presence in the locker room is just as important as his numbers as the big hitter smashed three boundaries before being dismissed by pace bowler Tymal Mills in the lopsided match.
“Chris Gayle has done an outstanding job for the West Indies cricket team during his time there. We’re still confident in his abilities “Estwick, a former Barbados soccer player agreed.
“On the other hand, his ability to address the room and mentor younger players is quite impressive.”
He went on to say: “When we only look at results, it’s easy to conclude that something isn’t adding up. However, a cricketer is much more than just a player, and an experienced player is much more than just a player.”
The West Indies batsman has 1,867 runs in 20-over cricket, including two centuries for the team.
However, in 27 international innings, the Jamaican star has only scored one half-century in the last five years, and his inclusion in the World Cup squad was a point of contention.
“What people overlook is Chris’s ability to spin the wheel,” added Estwick.
“Chris bowled exceptionally well against the Australians. As a result, Chris has a wide range of responsibilities on the team.”
Before the tournament, skipper Kieron Pollard said, “we are backing him to do well,” and Estwick echoed that sentiment.
“Don’t worry about how you’re doing. Take a look at his World Cup record: he’s done outstandingly well “he asserted, according to her. He’ll do well again before the tournament is over, I’m sure of it.
In response to England’s six-wicket thrashing, Estwick said, “One bad game doesn’t make a summer,” and he is confident that his team will bounce back to win a third T20 world championship.
