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Misfiring batsmen on final chance - Gayle

Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, has warned his under-performing batsmen the limited-overs series against South Africa could be their last chance

Cricinfo staff
18-May-2010
Chris Gayle: "We've got to try and start fresh and take it from there"  •  AFP

Chris Gayle: "We've got to try and start fresh and take it from there"  •  AFP

Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, has warned his under-performing batsmen the limited-overs series against South Africa could be their last chance. Gayle said the results during the World Twenty20 - the hosts exited after the Super Eights - had been noted and the displays must improve.
"It should be a wake-up call but from my point of view maybe it is a pressure situation," he said ahead of Wednesday's Twenty20. "The couple of days off could have let the players look into themselves a bit more and look to step up against South Africa. They are tough opponents. When you look at their bowling attack it is one of the best in the world."
South Africa also had a disappointing tournament and failed to reach the semi-finals. Missing out on the final four was tough on the local supporters, who watched the side struggle to post decent totals. Wavell Hinds was the only one dropped for this series, but Dwayne Bravo, Narsingh Deonarine and Andre Fletcher also had some trouble during the World Twenty20.
"Our batting display wasn't up to scratch," Gayle said. "Hopefully the guys can be ready physically and mentally. We've got to try and start fresh and take it from there."
West Indies A are currently playing Bangladesh A and Gayle said the players in that squad would be considered if the batsmen continued to fail. "Darren Bravo is doing pretty well," he said. "Hopefully he can continue from where he started.
"We are looking to turn around the situation. The selectors have come up with new strategies and hopefully when we come about the situation hopefully they make the right choice."
West Indies squad Chris Gayle (capt), Dwayne Bravo, Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Nikita Miller, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor.