Gayle hopes for big score at home ground

Chris Gayle goes into the fourth and final Test against India at Sabina Park hoping to improve his record at his home ground with a big score.

Gayle averages 21.66 in the seven Tests he has played at Jamaica and has had no centuries to delight home fans with. His highest score at the ground is 68, also against the Indian team that toured the Caribbean in 2001-02.

"Everybody wants to do well at their home ground and it has been slightly frustrating that I have only managed just one half-century in seven Tests there," Gayle told rediff cricket.

"If you asked me why my record is like that in Jamaica, I wouldn't say it's because I feel under more pressure at home. I think the wicket at Sabina Park does a bit more -- seams a lot more -- than any other pitch in the Caribbean so bowlers get a lot more assistance there and it is something I need to work on."

He also hoped to convert more Test fifties into hundreds and said that the West Indies team were upbeat after drawing the Test at St Kitts. That mirrored the results of the first two Tests of this series and Gayle will be hoping to change that and contribute to a series win in Jamaica. Despite 275 runs from the three Tests and an average over 45, Gayle realises a big score from him is vital.

"I may need to play a bit more conservatively rather than be as positive as I usually play. Sabina Park is my favourite ground and it would be really good if I could pull off something there.

"One thing that does give me some confidence on that subject is the fact I am averaging almost 40 at the ground in one-day at the ground in one-day internationals so there is no reason why I can't translate that form into the Test arena.

"I scored 123 against India in the ODIs there last month when India won. Hopefully there will be a different outcome this time." Though West Indies lost the rain-shortened first ODI at Sabina Park, they went on to win the ODI series 4-1.