Gayle confident of beating Australia 4-1
By ANISaturday, February 6, 2010
MELBOURNE - West Indies skipper Chris Gayle has boldly predicted a 4-1 win over Australia for his side in the ODI series, starting at the MCG on Sunday.
Despite having lost the three-Test series against Australia late last year, Gayle said his side is fully motivated for series against the hosts.
“It’s not intimidating to be honest with you, we’re going to beat them 4-1. So, not to worry,” The Courier Mail quoted Gayle, as saying.
The Windies are missing a glut of injured experienced players, but Gayle said this series provided the chance for the region’s young players to shine.
“We are without two key batsmen, Shiv (Chanderpaul) and (Ramnaresh) Sarwan, but this is a chance for other players to grab the opportunity and make a name. It will be a challenging tour, but I know we are capable of winning,” Gayle said.
The team is without Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor, Daren Bravo and the suspended Sulieman Benn, however, Gayle believes the unit has enough quality and backs them to perform against the in-form Australians.
“The Aussies are a good team and they played well against Pakistan, but they are beatable. We have been watching the series and we have seen what the Australians have to offer,” Gayle said.
“On our side, we have a lot to offer. We have depth and we have players who are capable match-winners. Everyone knows what is required,” he added.
West Indies team for the opening ODI: Chris Gayle (captain), Narsingh Deonarine, Travis Dowlin, Wavell Hinds, Nikita Miller, Runako Morton, Brendan Nash, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith and Gavin Tonge.
Australian team: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Shaun Marsh, Shane Watson and Cameron White. (ANI)
