KINGSTON: Chris Gayle believes “there’s still a lot in the tank” even as he signed off from List-A cricket for Jamaica with a match-winning century against Barbados in a Regional Super 50 clash at Kensington Oval. After announcing that it would be his final 50-over game for Jamaica, he was given a guard of honour by both his team-mates and opponents as he walked out to bat in Bridgetown. Speaking after the game, he said he would definitely like to play one more four-day game for Jamaica before signing off for his country altogether.
“There’s a lot in the tank to be honest, but there’s life after cricket, so have to enjoy life as well. Playing cricket for over 25 years has been a great achievement from a personal point of view, but I have a family now. I have to gel with them as much as possible and watch your kid grow.” Said Gayle.
“It’s possible that I’ll play a four-day game at Sabina Park. If possible, I will definitely play a four-day game. I don’t know when it starts but I’ll look into the schedule and make myself available.”
To mark the occasion, Gayle had captained Jamaica on Saturday, in place of appointed captain Nikita Miller. His 122 came off 114 balls, with 10 fours and eight sixes, helping carry Jamaica to 226. Barbados were bowled out for 193 in the chase.
Still very much in the mix for West Indies even though he isn’t a centrally contracted player – he has expressed desire to play in the 2019 World Cup – Gayle will continue playing as a freelance T20 cricketer across the world, with his next assignment with Balkh Legends in the inaugural Afghan Premier League in Sharjah.
