Gayle calls for better player protection
By ANITuesday, February 2, 2010
CANBERRA - West Indian captain Chris Gayle has asked for improved security during his team’s match against the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval here on Thursday.
He warned Canberra spectators that the entire West Indies team would confront any one jumping over the fence during the match.
Gayle’s reaction came days after a 37-year-old man roughed up Pakistan cricketer Khalid Latif at the WACA Ground.
It was the second time a spectator had evaded security and gained access to the field and while Latif was not seriously injured, the incidents prompted calls for tighter protection at international games.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting said he would have considered taking his team off the field if one of his players had been targeted.
But Gayle simply joked the West Indies would take matters into their own hands when asked how he would react if one of his teammates was tackled.
“I don’t know what would happen at the time [if a West Indies player was hit], maybe we would all just jump on [the spectator],” Gayle laughed.
He added: “Hopefully security can be a bit tighter now and the game can go on in one piece.”
Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam believes batsman Latif was lucky to escape a serious injury while Australian bowler Clint McKay voiced his disgust at the unsavoury episode.
Gayle will lead his West Indies side against the PM’s XI in the capital before they begin their one-day international series against Australia.
The laid-back skipper was unperturbed by the incident, but conceded player safety was a concern for the tourists. (ANI)
