Chris Gayle Doubtful For Second New Zealand ODI

Veteran West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is doubtful for his side’s clash against New Zealand in the second One-Day International. The hard-hitting opening batsman scored 22 in Wednesday’s (December 20) five-wicket loss in Whangarei but did not field during New Zealand’s innings.

Speaking after the game, head coach Stuart Law said the 36-year old was ill and would seek medical advice on Thursday.

“He look ill,” Law said. “He’s going to seek further medical advice once we arrive in Christchurch tomorrow. At this point in time I can’t give you any further details of what’s going on.”

“I’m not a doctor. I can’t give you any more, so I apologise. We should get a full appraisal tomorrow,” he added when pressed to speak more on the batsman’s condition.

The discussion soon turned toward the game where the hosts once again made light work of Jason Holder & Co. Kane Williamson’s bowlers completely justified his decision to bowl first with fast-bowler Doug Bracewell leading the way. The right-arm pacer took 4 for 55 off his 8 and was well supported by Tod Astle who finished with figures of 3 for 33 in his ten as West Indies could only post a modest total of 248 for 9 in the allotted 50 overs.

In reply, New Zealand chased down the total with utmost ease, overhauling the target with four overs remaining. A century-plus stand between George Worker and Colin Munro set the tone for an easy chase before handy knocks from the other batsmen helped the hosts to go one nil up in the series.

With both team’s batting wearing a different look on the same pitch, Law reasoned that the conditions changed significantly through the course of the match.

“We would have liked to have bowled first as well,” Law said. “Whether or not the wicket got damp through the covers. It was certainly a tackiness to the surface when the game started.

“I looked at it half-time and it was bone dry. You would have liked an even contest, not taking anything away from New Zealand at all. We saw our opening batters – they’re pretty good strikers of a cricket ball – they were having trouble locating it, which means the wicket was doing something. We didn’t see that this afternoon,” he added.

The second match of the series will be played on Saturday (December 23) in Christchurch.

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